A London Underground train carriage has been badly damaged in a suspected arson attack.
A bag is believed to have been set on fire intentionally and left on the floor of the train in the incident that is now being investigated by police.
Footage shared on social media showed black smoke billowing from the Central Line train, after it pulled into Leyton Underground Station in east London on Saturday night.
The video showed a bag on the floor of the carriage was well ablaze, while passengers watched on from the platform.
Police rushed to the scene around 11.50pm.
Warning: Video contains offensive language
Suspected arson on train carriage Leyton Underground station – London
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… pic.twitter.com/YlKrKq9JVH
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) December 3, 2023
The carriage suffered “extensive” damage in the incident, said British Transport Police (BTP).
Footage shared on X, formerly Twitter, after the fire had been put out showed the inside of the carriage blackened, and the floor melted. Windows and light fittings were also blackened and appeared cracked.
Police are appealing for witnesses after what they are describing as “a suspected arson attack”.
“Officers were called just before 11.50pm, to a report of a bag which had melted into the floor of a train,” said a BTP spokesperson.
“It is believed that the train pulled into Leyton Underground station at around 10.13pm and smoke was seen coming from the carriage.
🚨🚇 Suspected arson attack on tube train at Leyton Station on Sat 2 Dec.
Intensive damage to carriage.
Police are calling for witnesses, if you saw or have info please call: 0800 40 50 40 pic.twitter.com/lVqBJDmQaO
— Maryam Eslamdoust (@MEslamdoust) December 3, 2023
Transport for London has been approached by The Standard for a comment.
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.
