Issue Date: 13 November 2003
No. 0024

At 08:30 on Thursday 6 November, a fire was started on the upper deck of a Route 321 bus travelling between Foots Cray and New Cross Gate, causing approximately £80,000 worth of damage.

CCTV shows that the fire was deliberately started by a passenger, who then got off the bus before the fire took hold.

It is also apparent that other passengers travelling on the bus were aware that a fire had started and got off the bus without telling the driver.

Andrew Smith, Risk and Safety Manager of London Central, said “It is very fortunate that no-one was injured and we request that any witnesses contact Bexleyheath CID. Following investigation and provision of CCTV footage to the Police, it is understood that a youth has now been held for questioning concerning this incident”.

Transport for London Managing Director of Service Transport, Peter Hendy, said “This arrest proves that CCTV is a powerful weapon against people who damage London’s transport system. The Mayor is funding CCTV for all buses and all will be fitted by Spring 2005. The message is clear – there is no escape for bus vandals, even on the top deck”.

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