Police with sniffer dogs were out searching Leagrave Common Park yesterday afternoon in the search for a missing Luton pensioner.

Andrew Goldsboro disappeared from his home on Sunday, November 3 after he said he was having a final cigarette outside his home before retiring to bed.

The keen gardener’s family has been searching the area since and have been appealing for help in tracing him.

Mr Goldsboro, aged 78, of Compton Avenue, did not have any health problems and his family say his disappearance is totally out of character.

“We are devastated,” said his daughter Nuala Goldsboro. “This has never happened before, we just can’t believe that he would just walk off.”

Mr Goldsboro’s wife Bernadette, raised the alarm within an hour of him going missing but police have not been able to find any trace.

Public and private CCTV cameras have been checked, as have the cameras around Leagrave railway station but there has been no sign.

Nuala, and her sister Marie, who flew in from Dubai where she lives last week, have been searching the area and set up a Facebook page. They are also urging people to check sheds and back gardens in case their father has become disorientated.

Set Insp John Murphy said there were concerns because of Mr Goldsboro’s age and the rapidly deteriorating weather.

“The family is being regularly updated and they are well supported by family and friends in the local community,” he said.

Mr Goldsboro worked as a maintenance man at the Arndale, Luton, before his retirement. He is also actively involved in his local church, St Joseph’s RC Church in Luton.

The family’s Facebook page is Andrew Goldsboro Missing in Luton.

> If you have any information call police on 101.

Plans to increase Luton Airport’s passenger capacity by a third have come a step closer.

Officers at Luton Borough Council have recommended for approval a planning application by the airport which will increase capacity from 12 million passengers to 18 million a year.

The plans go before the council’s Development Control Committee on Thursday.

The recommending approval for the application, is subject to detailed conditions, the completion of a planning legal agreement and referral to the Secretary of State for Case ommunities and Local Government.

The proposed scheme involves:

* Dualling of the road from the Holiday Inn roundabout to the central terminal area

* Improvements to the public transport hub next to the terminal

* Construction of a multi-storey car par and pedestrian link to the western side of the existing short-term car park

* Extensions to the mid- and long-term car parks

* Improvements to the terminal building involving internal reorganisation and minor extensions and building works

* Construction of a new pier

* Construction of a new taxiway parallel to Taxiway Delta

* Taxiway extensions and rationalising of the aircraft parking area, including new and improved stands.

The meeting takes place in the Council Chamber at Luton Town Hall at 4pm and is open to the public.

What do you think? You can comment or email tus at editorial@lutonnews.co.uk

A 47 year old man was left in a serious condition in hospital after being stabbed several times during an aggravated burglary in Luton in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident happened at 3.25am when three burglars managed to force their way into a house in Wellfield Avenue, Sundon Park, while the occupants were sleeping. The victim was awoken by a noise and went to investigate.

When the victim confronted the intruders he was attacked and stabbed. The men then fled the house on foot.

The victim’s wife and daughter raised the alarm and the victim was immediately taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital where he remains in a serious, but stable condition.

Det Con Mo Hussain, who is investigating the incident, is keen to hear from any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time or may have seen the three men either before or after the attack.

The first was a black male with light skin, around 20 years of age, 5ft 1ins tall. The second was also a black male, 5ft 10ins tall. The third was a black male, around 20 years old.

If you have information relating to this incident, contact Det Con Hussain, in confidence, on 01582 394067, the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a 47 year old man was left in a serious condition in hospital after being stabbed several times during an aggravated burglary in Luton in the early hours of yesterday morning (November 16).

The incident happened at 3.25am when three offenders managed to force their way into a house in Wellfield Avenue, Luton, while the occupants were sleeping. The victim was awoken by a noise and went to investigate.

When Tony Abrahams confronted the offenders he was attacked and stabbed. The offenders then fled the house on foot.

The victim’s wife and daughter raised the alarm and Mr Abrahams was immediately taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital where he remains in a serious, but stable condition.

Detective Constable Mo Hussain, who is investigating the incident, is keen to hear from any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time or may have seen the three offenders either before or after the attack.

The first offender was a black male with light skin, around 20 years of age, five feet one inch tall. The second offender was also a black male, five feet ten inches tall. The third offender was a black male, around 20 years old.

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Hussain, in confidence, on 01582 394067, the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

“I suspect that we are ill-formed for the path we have chosen. Ill-formed and ill-prepared. We would like to draw a veil over all the blood and terror that have brought us to this place.

“It is our faintness of heart that would close our eyes to all of that, but in so doing it makes of it our destiny...

“But nothing is crueller than a coward, and the slaughter to come is probably beyond our imagining...”

The Counsellor is a dark, violent crime-and-punishment thriller with A-list names attached at every level.

Esteemed Brit director Ridley ‘Gladiator’ Scott brings his trademark visual flair to the screen.

The heavy-duty original screenplay is courtesy of Cormac ‘No Country For Old Men’ McCarthy.

In front of the camera there is a stunning triple A cast led by Michael ‘Prometheus’ Fassbender as a hotshot lawyer, only referred to as ‘counsellor’ throughout the movie, who is head over heels in love with Penelope Cruz and plans to make her his wife.

Unfortunately he has got himself into a bit of pickle financially and is gambling everything on getting involved with a Colombian drug deal that could make him close to $20million.

But with great potential wealth comes massive risk – and we all know that drug cartels are not made up of the sort of people brimming with peace, love and understanding who laugh it off when things go pear-shaped. Also on hand are Javier ‘Skyfall’ Bardem, who lives a very lavish lifestyle from ill-gotten gains, Cameron Diaz as his glamorous but untrustworthy girlfriend, and Brad Pitt as an amoral advisor.

Just how far the counsellor has drifted from any sense of normality or safety is clear as soon as the shipment he is banking on is stolen.

What follows is a compelling, dialogue-heavy descent into ultra-violence and paranoia.

The few action scenes are sparingly used but they pack a serious punch – especially one character’s death on the streets of London that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Cruz and Diaz bring counter- balancing sexiness, one playing the good woman and the other her evil opposite. Bardem and Pitt add decent scenery but The Counsellor is all about Fassbender, who eats up every scene in some style.

This isn’t a film for everyone – it’s brutal and offensive in places but at heart it’s a meaty and thought- provoking ‘crime does not pay’ cautionary tale.

A man was left needing stitches after being hit on the head with a watermelon in Luton.

The victim intervened in an argument between his wife and three men at the junction of Medina Road and Dunstable Road on Tuesday at 7.15pm.

He was punched in the face, causing him to fall to the floor, then the three offenders kicked him and hit him over the head with a watermelon- taken from a nearby shop - which caused a large cut to the victim’s head.

The offenders then fled the area in a car which is believed to have had the registration number DG61 PXM.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries which included a number of stitches to his head, a laceration above his right eye and swelling to the right hand side of his face.

Det Con Jo Barkat is keen to hear from any witnesses who were in the area at the time of the assault and may have seen the attack taking place.

She would particularly like to hear from a man who was possibly with a young child and was passing by at the time who stopped to assist the victim.

All the offenders are described as men of Asian appearance, one was “chubby” and wearing a tracksuit.

Call Det Con Barkat in confidence on 01582 394316, Bedfordshire Police on the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

The body of a missing pensioner was found in Compton Avenue in Luton on Saturday.

Andrew Goldsboro, 78, had been missing from his home in the same road since November 3.

His body was found behind some fencing on Saturday afternoon and police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson for his family said: “We are absolutely devastated. The only saving grace is that this nightmare is over of not knowing. At least now he can rest in peace. Thanks again for all your kind words and wonderful support.”

During the extensive search, police with sniffer dogs were out on Leagrave Common Park, public and private CCTV cameras were checked and numerous search parties were organised.

Mr Goldsboro disappeared from his home after he said he was having a final cigarette outside his home before retiring to bed.

The family spokesperson said: “The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to all the thousands of people who assisted in the search for Andy during the time he was missing and for all their cards, thoughts and prayers.

“We would ask that the family now has some privacy to grieve and pray for Andy at this time. Another announcement will be made regarding his funeral arrangements shortly. Thank you again to everyone for their love and support.”

An elderly man was assaulted and gagged during a “despicable” burglary in his Putteridge Road home on Thursday.

Three male offenders forced their way into the house at 2.30am and dragged the 84-year-old out of his bed as his wife slept.

They grabbed him around the neck and threatened to assault him with a knife.

He was walked around the house by the burglars who demanded to know where the safe was, despite the victim not having one.

They searched the house, stole bank cards and cash and then gagged the man with tape and tried to bind his hands together.

The gentleman managed to fight them off and press a Careline button which is installed in his house and set off an alarm.

The burglars then fled through the back door.

Det Con James Wildman said: “This was a quite despicable crime by a group of cowards. The victim showed extreme bravery in fighting off his attackers and raising the alarm in the way that he did. Thankfully he and his wife were not harmed during the attack but he has been left shaken up by the incident.

“I urge anyone with information about this crime to come forward and talk to us. Even the smallest pieces of information, which may not seem relevant, could be important.”

If you have information relating to this incident, contact Det Con Godfree, in confidence, on 01582 394443, the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Two cars have been spotted illegally driving on the Luton-Dunstable guided busway.

They were seen on separate occasions, including at 5.30pm on Sunday.

Driving a car on the busway is an offence under article 34 of the Luton Dunstable Translink Order 2006 and motorists can be fined £1000.

Steven Manfredi said: “I saw a car driving down the mighty busway last night, not sure if they were lost or sightseeing.”

CCTV cameras cover all busway junctions with the highway and a Luton Borough Council spokesperson said it is impossible to “accidentally” drive a car on the £91m busway.

Cllr Dave Taylor, portfolio holder for transportation and road safety, said: “There is no excuse for any car or van to travel on the busway. It was specifically designed for buses only and anyone who drives their own vehicle on it is foolish, irresponsible and risks facing the consequences.”

The council spokesperson said: “It is impossible to ‘accidentally’ drive a car on the busway: the only way to do so is to ignore the warning signs and drive across the car traps in some way, risking serious damage to your vehicle.

“Anyone breaking the law in this way risks legal action resulting in a criminal record and a fine of up to £1000.”

The busway opened on September 24 this year and the council estimates more than 120,000 journeys were made on the

four core services from October 1 - 31.

@LutonNewsConnie

Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit (MCU) have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a woman in Trent Road, Luton, this afternoon (Nov 18).

Officers were called to the incident at 3.07pm following reports that a female motorist had received stab wounds.

Members of the public had detained a man in connection with the incident at the scene.

The victim, who is in her 70s, was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

It might be a trick, but it’s certainly a Hallowe’en treat for readers who love a ghostly mystery.

They’ve been off our screens for a good few years now, but maybe it’s time paranormal investigators Mulder and Scully returned... to investigate a Luton X-File.

It could be a spook-tacular prank, but staff at Jimmy’s World Grill & Bar in the town centre – and their head office – assure me they’ve been left scratching their heads by unexplained activity at their restaurant.

CCTV footage they’ve sent me suggests that a poltergeist is on the loose. About 50 seconds into the clip, a chair appears to move on its own. Then a napkin flies up in the air, a menu shifts a bit, and cutlery and a plate fly off the left edge of the table.

Manager Rehan Anwar said: “The incident was brought to my attention by a customer who was sitting a few tables away and heard a loud crash.

“When she turned around there was no body sat at the table which baffled her. I instantly went over to the table where the incident had taken place to find a broken plate and cutlery on the floor. I didn’t think too much of it at the time but when talking to the staff about it a couple of days later they joked about it being a ghost.

“Then someone suggested looking at the CCTV on the closest camera to see if that table was covered. It was.

“I couldn’t believe what I saw. At first all I saw was the plate fly off the table but looking back again you can see the chair move and the napkin. There is no explanation for how a plate can fly off a table with that force which makes it extremely bizarre.

Rehan added: “The suspected ghost or poltergeist has created a lot of interest amongst the staff and it makes locking up at night a little bit scary.

“You do hear other noises in certain areas of the restaurant but whether it’s haunted or not, I don’t know but I can’t think of an explanation to what is clearly visible on the camera. It will certainly make Hallowe’en an interesting night for us.”

Mukesh Vyas, from Jimmy’s head office, said: “When we heard about the footage, we thought it was a set up and staff having a bit of fun. However, we have been assured this wasn’t the case and on further inspection of the footage we cannot explain how this has happened.”

So maybe Mulder and Scully can return in an X-files 3 movie focused on Jimmy’s? – although I think I’d prefer a conclusion to the alien colonisation plot (come on, make it happen Chris Carter!)

Failing that it’s over to Luton Paranormal Society...

What do you make of the video? Email steve.sims@jpress.co.uk.

> This is an extract from the Simply Sims column featured every Wednesday in the Luton News.

We may have seen a smattering of recent movies aimed firmly as the ‘more mature’ market but the kids are still where the cash is.

That’s why millions of dollars are invested in franchise formats which the money men in Tinseltown reckon will generate repeat business.

Some fall flat on their face and are never seen again, but some trundle on year in, year out hoovering up revenue until the well runs dry.

It’s still probably too early to tell whether the Hunger Games canon has those sort of legs, but here comes the second instalment in the ‘Rollerball meets Lord Of The Flies’ set up in which the youth of the future are pitched into death matches for the entertainment of the masses.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the title given to this standard sequel, in which the grappling is even more deadly and feisty Jennifer Lawrence is still up against it.

The mix of fresh young talent and grizzled Hollywood veterans (Donald Sutherland, Woodly Harrelson, Stanley Tucci) augmented with character cameos (welcome back, Lenny Kravitz) is maintained, we get to root for the kids and boo the old farts, and if you’re willing to sit still for nearly 21/2 hours as another slice of the bestselling Suzanne Collins trilogy makes it to the big screen you’ll get a comprehensive, but calculated, dose of thrills and spills.

Once upon a time just seeing the names Robert de Niro and Tommy Lee Jones on the same bill was a promise of compelling cinema, but since the terrifying twosome started playing it for laughs you never know.

The Family is billed as a black comedy in which former mob boss Bobby is forced to enter the witness protection programme along with wife Michelle Pfeiffer and kids.

Tommy Lee is the gruff lawman charged with keeping these fishes out of water on the straight and narrow as they make a new life in rural France, which is easier said than done – particularly as there is a price on Bobby’s bonce.

We’ve been here before but it’s all jolly enough and with Luc Besson calling the shots there’s a pleasing combination of laughs and menace.

I’ve tried closing my eyes and counting to 10, I’ve had a go at turning round three times and saying the magic word, I may have to resort to just banging my head against a brick wall in a vain attempt to return to reality – but at the moment I appear to be trapped in a parallel universe.

In this bizarre world, the human race which once exalted the spiritual and the creative now reserves its greatest praise for the modern equivalent of a pavement hawker.

Come with me back in time to the height of the Renaissance, although you can pretty much pick and choose your particular pet period from history and the result will be the same.

On the streets of Florence the population can take their pick – there’s Leonardo’s Last Supper down the road, Michaelangelo’s David to be admired too, all manner of great art giving expression to the miracle of humanity.

Were the punters of the time turning away from these towering works of genius and talking of nothing but the grocer on the corner of the marketplace, however entertaining his spiel as he tried to shift sufficient sausages or spuds to put food on the table?

I think not, but that’s where we are now. Art is ignored, and we all coo over shameless attempts to get us to buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have, just because a cute Christmas commercial succeeds in making us feel a bit warm and fuzzy.

In my young day, there were a few obvious Christmas ads for things you’d never think of buying at any other time of the year – bottles of sherry and advocaat, for some reason, big tins of Quality Street, perfumes and potions.

But I can’t recall high-powered campaigns from the big retailers, advertising not the stuff they had on the shelves but their Christmas vision.

Now the seasonal commercials are reviewed and rated with such rigour that anyone would think they were a matter of life and death.

They get longer, they get more expensive, the music they choose can dictate the shape of the Christmas charts, and everybody seems to have lost sight of their initial purpose.

You spend time and money on advertising in order to sell more, don’t you? The hawker back in Florence knew that – he wasn’t trying to reinforce his brand values, he was just trying to flog stuff.

If your Christmas ad doesn’t mention any of the stuff you are trying to flog, and doesn’t even mention your name until the final few seconds, you’ve taken a wrong turn.

But you’ve spent millions of pounds in the process, and you have to make that money back somehow.

Which means that while we are all wallowing in the winsome winter wonderlands served up by the big chains, their prices go up to foot that bill. Not feeling quite so warm and fuzzy now, I’ll warrant.

An elderly couple in Toddington were burgled by a man and woman who claimed to be looking for their dog.

Bedfordshire Police are reminding householders to take extra precautions when answering their doors.

The incident happened on October 29 in the High Street between midday and 2pm when the man and woman called at the house looking for their dog.

The man was allowed to walk through the home and into the back garden to look for his dog while the woman was left in the hallway.

However, one of the occupants began to challenge the visitors and they both left the scene.

Shortly after the incident the victims realised cash had been taken from their home and reported the incident to the police.

The offenders are described as a white man and a white woman, both 5 ft 6.

Detective Helen Toms is keen to trace anyone else who may have received visitors matching the descriptions given recently and would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to take extra precautions when answering their door to unexpected visitors.

DC Toms said: “Often people who commit this type of burglary visit other homes in the area and target elderly people within our communities. I would urge anyone who has received a similar visit to their home or anyone who saw two suspicious people in Toddington recently to come forward and assist with this investigation.

“I would also urge all residents to follow these crime reduction tips to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

Beds Police crime prevention tips:

If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from i.e. Police, Council or Gas, Electricity, Water companies. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus.

• Many utility service providers like gas, electricity and water, provide password schemes for customers, sign up to these. When unannounced callers claiming to be from these utility providers call at your door they should know the password if they are genuine.

‘Water Boards’ no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.

• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home; put it in the bank where it is safe.

• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.

• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.

If somebody asks for your help (i.e. needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball/dog in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper) refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help.

If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call the police immediately.

A planning application to increase passenger capacity at London Luton Airport will no longer be discussed at a meeting on Thursday.

The London Luton Airport Operations Ltd (LLAL) application was due to be considered by Luton Borough Council’s development control committee but the matter has been deferred to allow for further consideration of consultees’ comments.

The application is seeking to increase the capacity of London Luton Airport from 12 to 18 million passengers a year, A new date when the application can be brought forward will be confirmed shortly.

It took almost five hours to clear Airport Way, Luton, after a car and lorry were involved in a collision on Monday (November 18) morning.

The fire brigade had to free a woman from the car using hydraulic equipment. No futher details are available.

A candlelight vigil was held outside Luton Police Station last night for Leon Briggs who died while in police custody.

Five police officers and two support staff were suspended after Leon’s death on November 4, and the IPCC said the inquiry is now a criminal investigation.

Family, friends and members of the community paid tribute to Leon, 39, at the vigil.

A family spokesperson said: “Leon was a loving father, son and brother. He was a kind, loyal, intelligent, caring person who put his family and others first.”

Leon was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act after Beds Police officers attended the junction of Marsh Road and Willow Way on November 4 and was pronounced dead in hospital that afternoon.

The family spokesperson said: “Leon was unwell and needed specialist help, instead the police forcefully restrained him and he died in police custody.

“We have a lot of questions about why he was put through this terrifying ordeal and why he died.

“We feel he has been let down by the authorities at a time when he should have been provided with specialist care and support.

“It is important to us to see the seriousness with which the IPCC are approaching the investigation into Leon’s death. You will understand that the loss of Leon has come as a tremendous shock to us all and we would ask you to respect our privacy at what is a very difficult time us.”

The announcement that seven people had been suspended was revealed at a community meeting attended by more than 200 people held to discuss the death at the UK Carnival Arts Centre on November 11.

Speaking shortly after Leon’s death, his brother Alan Briggs said: “We grew up on Marsh Farm estate. The family’s happiest times were on the Marsh Farm estate so wherever you are from whether it’s Marsh Farm, Lewsey, we are all united.

“We are all together. We do need justice for Luton, we won’t stop until we get justice for Leon. Keep the flowers coming, keep the support. We need everybody’s support.”

Jim Thakoordin, chair of Luton Committee for Racial Harmony, said he is “alarmed” at Leon’s death.

He said: “Members of Leon Briggs’ family and the local community are very angry at this death, which could have been avoidable, had the police did what they should have done and allowing Leon to seek hospital attention. We await the findings of this case and we encourage anyone with evidence to contact the IPCC.”

A man has been charged with the murder of a pensioner in Trent Road and will appear before Luton Magistrates Court this morning.

John Evans, 56, of Thames Court in Trent Road, was arrested on Monday afternoon following the incident in Trent Road.

His sister-in-law Mary Evans, known as May, 70, died at the scene.

Det Chief Insp Jonathan Hutchinson said: “Although a person has been charged in relation to this incident I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the events in Trent Road to come forward and speak with us. You may have already dismissed this information as insignificant or thought that the arrest and charge of a person made it less important to us.

“Please don’t assume that someone else has told us, or that we already know. Please come forward if you were in the area so that we have the fullest picture possible to help us complete this enquiry.”

Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, in confidence, on 101 or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A 16-year-old has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated burglary and will appear before Luton Magistrate’s Court this morning.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested in London in connection with an incident on Saturday at Wellfield Avenue in Luton.

Det Con Mo Hussain, investigating, is still keen to speak with anyone who has information relating to the incident.

He said: “Although a person has been charged in relation to this incident I would remind members of the public that this is still an ongoing investigation and we are still keen to speak with anyone who can help this inquiry.”

Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact DC Hussain, in confidence, at Luton Police Station, on 01582 394067, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Numerous motorists have found themselves driving on the Luton and Dunstable Guided Busway despite the council claiming it is “impossible” to do so accidentally.

Drivers, especially those unfamiliar with Luton, have told Luton Today they saw no signs warning them of the busway and were “petrified” when they realised where they were.

Councillor Dave Taylor said anyone who drives a car on the busway is “foolish and irresponsible”.

Nick McKee, from Newmarket, found himself driving on the busway on Saturday evening when he was using his SatNav to get to G Casino.

He said: “I was at traffic lights and the SatNav said to go straight on. I didn’t see one sign at all except a 50mph speed limit sign so I started to accelerate. I saw the car traps but was going fast so I couldn’t miss them. All three of my tyres were busted.

“I thought I was on a train line, I was petrified. I had to go along slowly as I couldn’t go back due to the car trap. I carried on and found two elderly ladies in a car who had done the same thing. Three of their tyres were bust and they got towed away by the RAC.”

Mr McKee was also rescued by the RAC and said his RAC driver told him he had previously picked up two other cars from the busway.

Mr McKee said: “As we drove off we saw an AA van towing away another car which had done the same thing. The scariest thing is the hole in the road. It’s going to cost me nearly £1000 to replace my tyres and the three wheel rings.”

John Nolan from Luton said he witnessed two “bewildered young ladies” in a car sitting in the Dunstable bound lane on Saturday.

He said: “They were asking our driver how to escape as a bus appeared at speed heading towards them,fortunately both Busway drivers handled the situation well with our driver flashing his headlights to warn his colleague of the impending danger...The bus driver said that it was the second car he’d seen on the busway that day. The busway is an accident waiting to happen.”

Driving a car on the busway is an offence under article 34 of the Luton Dunstable Translink Order 2006 and motorists can be fined £1000.

A Luton Borough Council spokesperson said: “It is impossible to ‘accidentally’ drive a car on the busway: the only way to do so is to ignore the warning signs and drive across the car traps in some way, risking serious damage to your vehicle.

“Anyone breaking the law in this way risks legal action resulting in a criminal record and a fine of up to £1000.”

CCTV cameras cover all busway junctions with the highway.

Councillor Taylor added: “I am amazed how anyone claims they can ‘accidentally’ drive on the busway if they are driving with due care and attention. There are clear markings on the road, clear no entry signs and clear indications about the concrete guides and car traps.”

>Have you been caught out on the busway?

@LutonNewsConnie