Bus Hijacked And Set Alight In Newtownards

Police in Newtowards have issued an appeal for information after a bus was hijacked and set alight early this morning.

According to reports, two masked and armed men boarded a 7a Ulsterbus as it made its first stop on Abbot Drive at about 6.30am this morning, Monday 01 November. The driver was forced off the bus and the men poured fuel over the inside of the bus before setting it alight. The bus had not yet picked up any passengers and there were no reports of any injuries.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon condemned those responsible for hijacking and arson.

She said: "Today’s attack on Translink by two masked men is disgraceful. Two masked men forced their way on to a bus and set it alight. Thankfully no one was hurt in this incident but those responsible for this attack need to stop now.

"I utterly condemn this cowardly act. Our transport workers are frontline public workers who provide a critical community service, those who seek to instil fear into the lives of ordinary people are criminals and nothing else.

"My thoughts are with the bus driver who was subject to this attack. All bus drivers deserve to feel safe as they go about their job. These public servants, men and women, are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. They transport our health workers to hospitals, all of us to and from work, children to school, they are a fundamental part of our society. They deserve to be safe and they deserve our respect and gratitude. The cowards who attacked it have done nothing more than attack their own community.

"My Department and Translink are working closely with the PSNI and we stand firmly with our transport workers against all threats, violence and intimidation."

Anyone with information about the incident, or who may have witnessed the attack, is asked to contact police.