£100,000 Arson Attack On Canning Road

Last night (Sunday 19th March 2006) the Cumfybus depot on Canning Road, Southport was broken into. A Citroen AX car was pushed into the yard and set alight. The car was totally gutted in the incident.



Also damaged was a Vauxhall Frontera where in a separate attack the passenger seat was set on fire. The attackers then stole some fire extinguishers off buses to put out the fire.

Interior damage of Frontera



The fire from the Citroen then spread to a Leyland Olympian double decker causing electrical and scorch damage.

Repairs are carried out to double decker



Worst damage was caused to a 2 months old Optare Solo single deck bus. This bus is part of a half million pounds investment in 6 new buses for the Southport area by Cumfybus. Unfortunately the damage although appearing to be superficial puts its future in jeopardy.



Interior damage



A clean up operation has been on the way all morning and into this afternoon to maintain a full service. Fortunately a full service has been achieved therefore causing no inconvenience to the public.

Emergency repairs have been carried out to the double deck. Pictured is a member of Cumfybus staff carrying out these repairs.

Unconfirmed reports suggest at the time of the incident youths attacked the emergency services attending the scene. Police are investigating this attack which has caused up to £100,000 of damage.

Phil Rodwell the Prospective Conservative Candidate for Norwood Ward said: “It’s about time proper punishment was dished out to fit the crime” “bringing back the birch would be a good idea”.

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