More than 30 double-decker buses go up in flames at depot as police launch arson
More than 30 double-decker buses have been destroyed after a fire was started ‘deliberately’ at a depot in Essex.
Towering plumes of thick black smoke filled the skies following the incident at a vehicle storage area in Muckingford Road shortly before 7pm on Friday.
Road closures in the immediate area were put in place as Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service crews worked together to contain the blaze.
Officials said 36 buses had been completely wrecked by the fire, which took more than two hours to extinguish.
Police have now launched an arson investigation after fire officers determined the blaze had been intentionally started.
No arrests have yet been made.
Essex Police said in a statement: ‘We’re investigating an incident in Linford which led to damage being caused to a number of buses.
‘Alongside colleagues at Essex County Fire and Rescue, we attended a fire at a vehicle storage area in Muckingford Road shortly before 7pm last night, Friday 5 June.
‘At this stage it is being treated as a suspected arson. We are working closely with fire service colleagues to establish the cause of the fire.’
More than 30 double-decker buses have been destroyed after a fire was started ‘deliberately’ at a depot in Essex on Friday evening
Towering plumes of thick black smoke filled the skies following the incident at a vehicle storage area in Muckingford Road, Essex
Officials said 36 buses had been completely wrecked by the fire, which took more than two hours to extinguish
Station Manager Lee Hurst from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service added: ‘This was a significant and challenging incident involving a large number of vehicles.
‘Thanks to the hard work and professionalism of our firefighters, supported by Essex Police, utility providers and local farmers, we were able to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread.
‘I would like to thank all of the partner agencies and members of the local community who assisted us throughout the incident.
‘The fire investigation has determined that the fire was started deliberately.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police or 101 quoting incident 1206 of 5 June, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.