Hunt for ‘arsonist’ after bag catches fire inside Tube carriage | UK News

A fire on a London Underground train this weekend was a deliberate act of arson, detectives say.

Footage shows flames burning through the end of a carriage on a stationary Tube train in Leyton station late on Saturday evening.

Passengers watched from the platform as smoke billowed out of the carriage.

The source of the fire is thought to be a bag which police say was later found ‘melted into the floor’.

It’s not clear whether anyone was on the train when the fire broke out or if it started after passengers alighted.

British Transport Police said: ‘Officers were called just before 11.50pm, to a report of a bag which had melted into the floor of a train. It is believed that the train pulled into Leyton Underground station at around 10.13pm and smoke was seen coming from the carriage.

‘The carriage of the train has suffered extensive damage.

‘Detectives are asking for information and any witnesses, particularly anyone who was on the train and took photos or video footage of the incident, to make contact by calling 0800 40 50 40, or by texting 61016 with the reference 747-021223.

‘Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

Transport for London declined to comment further.

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