A teenager has been charged with arson with intent to danger life in connection with a fire which gutted the top deck of a National Express West Midlands ADL Enviro 400 after an appeal for information went viral on social media.
The 15-year-old boy handed himself in to West Midlands Police (WMP) on Thursday evening (March 19), two days after the incident. After questioning, he was bailed to appear before Birmingham Youth Court on April 10.
Bus CCTV footage which was shared by WMP on Facebook and on CBW’s page, showed the young man start the blaze with discarded newspaper on the rear seat at around 1600hrs, before walking off the bus, which was working service 904 along Erdington High Street. Passengers were evacuated but the top deck was destroyed, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Sgt Gareth Snyman said: “We had a huge response to this appeal and we want to thank everyone that came forward to provide us with information. The appeal resulted in a teenager coming forward and he was arrested on suspicion of arson and bailed with strict conditions while our investigation continues.”
