Brazen thieves apparently dug up a bus stop and stole it. 

The bizarre theft was only spotted when bemused commuters found their usual stop, in Selsdon Road, South Croydon, had disappeared.

They initially thought Transport for London (TfL) had taken the stop, between Rockhampton Road and Carlton Road, as the hole left by its removal had been filled in. 

But TfL, which learned of the disappearance on Friday, said it believed the aluminium sign had been stolen and would report the theft to the police.

Vernon Jones, TfL’s Croydon bus infrastructure controller said: "We believe the missing bus stop on Selsdon Road in Croydon has been stolen and we are currently investigating the circumstances of this.  

"We will be contacting the police to report the theft and will look to install a new bus stop as soon as possible.  We apologise for any inconvenience to our passengers in the interim."

Croham councillor Maria Gatland said she had been contacted by angry bus users on Thursday.

She said: "Responding to the outcry from passengers the driver told them that TfL had taken it away.

"I have been told by furious passengers that there were residents with heavy shopping trolleys, mums with push chairs and a disabled lady with a walking stick. This is clearly inconvenient and distressing."

She added: "It is quite close to me and I know it is well used."

TfL installed a temporary bus stop in place of the stolen one on Friday.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the force had not yet received a report of the theft.

Have you seen anyone looking shifty and carrying a bus stop? Call the newsdesk on 0208 722 6351 or email chris.baynes@london.newsquest.co.uk