Shocking moment arsonist sets fire to a pile of newspapers on top deck of a bus - and then leaves it to burn as it catches on the back seat 

  • Police have released CCTV footage of an arsonist setting a fire on a bus
  • Shows him setting fire to newspapers on the top deck before walking away 
  • Passengers were evacuated and the top deck was completely gutted
  • The fire and smoke caused thousands of pounds worth of damage
  • West Midlands Police are appealing for information to identify the youth 

By Keiligh Baker for MailOnline

Published: 13:53 EST, 19 March 2015 | Updated: 15:44 EST, 19 March 2015

This is the shocking moment an arsonist was caught on CCTV setting fire to newspapers on the top deck of a bus before leaving it to burn - causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

West Midlands Police released the footage in a bid to trace the young man who set light to the papers on a double decker bus in Erdlington, Birmingham, on Tuesday. 

The youngster, who can be seen wearing a navy blue Parka jacket, white shirt and tie, appears to use a lighter to set a corner of the paper alight before calmly getting up and leaving at the next stop.

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The moment the younth leans over and lights the pile of newspapers on fire before calmly walking away

The moment the younth leans over and lights the pile of newspapers on fire before calmly walking away

The youngster peers out of the window apparently unconcerned at the fire catching on the papers next to him

The youngster peers out of the window apparently unconcerned at the fire catching on the papers next to him

The blaze took hold on the rear seat of the upper deck of the number 904 in Erdington around 4pm on Tuesday as fire crews raced to the High Street.

Passengers were evacuated, but the top deck was gutted as smoke billowed from the windows, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Investigating officer Sergeant Gareth Snyman said: 'This is a completely mindless act of vandalism that has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage as well as disruption to passengers and other motorists.

'I would appeal to anyone who knows the lad on the CCTV to contact me urgently on 101. Equally I would ask the person responsible to come forward and own up to his actions.'

Anyone not wishing to speak to police can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The youth can then be seen calmly walking away from the fire - he is wearing a navy Parka, shirt and tie

The top deck was gutted by the fire, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage

The top deck was gutted by the fire, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage