‘Putting lives at risk’: Spate of arson attacks on London buses

An investigation has been launched into a series of fires started on buses since the start of the year

Two incidents whch happened in Walthamstow within a day of each other and are being treated as linked.

The other two happened in east London and police say at this time are not being linked to each other, or the Walthamstow incidents.

The two fires in Walthamstow took place on Monday January 2 – the first at 5.55pm on a 215 bus and the second at 7.45pm on Tuesday January 3 on a 97 bus.

Police say that due to the similarities in the offences, including the areas set alight, the incidents are being treated as linked.

In a third incident at around 10.40pm on Wednesday January 4 a seat was set on fire on a route 179 bus in Woodford.

The fourth incident happened at shortly after midnight on Friday January 6 , when a fire was believed to have been started near to the door areas of a route 165 bus in Rainham.

On all occasions there were no injuries.

Detective Sergeant Cassandra Osborne, from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “We are appealing to the public for any information to help us apprehend whoever is responsible for these fires.

“These are extremely reckless actions which are putting the lives of innocent people at risk. All these buses were in service at the time of the fires and it is only by sheer luck that no one has been hurt.

“If you can help, please get in contact as soon as possible.”

Tom Cunnington, TfL’s head of buses business development, said: “Thankfully no one was hurt during these incidents. We are supporting the police with their investigations into this highly dangerous behaviour. It is reckless and irresponsible, putting lives at risk. We urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice.”

Contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 3625/8Jan. Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org