Police are appealing for witnesses and information following four bus fires that have been started deliberately since New Year.

Two fires in Walthamstow took place on Monday, 2 January – the first at 17:55hrs on a route 215 bus and the second at 19:45hrs on Tuesday, 3 January on a route 97 bus. Police say that, due to the similarities in the offences including the areas set alight and time and location, these are being treated as linked.

Officers are also appealing for information following two other fires on buses in east London.

At around 22:40hrs on Wednesday, 4 January a seat was set on fire on a route 179 bus in Woodford. The fourth fire happened shortly after midnight on Friday, 6 January when it was believed to have been started deliberately 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, added: “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.”

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