A BLAZING bus pulled up at a stop after a fire was started deliberately on the top deck.

Flames were so intense they caused smoke damage to nearby homes as the burning Stagecoach vehicle pulled up at a bus stop in Dartford Road, Dartford, at 3.40pm on Monday.

Police and firefighters believe a group of five to seven male teenagers, aged about 16, started the fire by setting light to paper, which spread to a seat, on the upper deck of the 96 Bexleyheath to Bluewater Stagecoach bus.

The boys are believed to have boarded the bus at the clocktower in Bexleyheath, and were seen running towards Crayford after the bus caught fire.

Det Sgt Matthew Long said: “We are appealing for anyone who was on the bus, or anyone who saw them getting on the bus at Bexleyheath Clocktower, to come forward.”

No one was injured in the incident but the bus was 50 per cent damaged by fire. The 10 or so passengers were evacuated safely.

Three houses suffered from slight smoke damage as a result of the blaze.

Anyone with information should call Det Sgt Long on 01474 331055.

*Did you capture the flames on your phone camera? Send your pictures to dartfordmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk

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