A bus was hjacked in Abbot Drive in Newtownards this morning (1 November).
At approximately 6.30am, two masked and armed men boarded the bus and poured fuel over the vehicle before setting it alight.
The driver managed to get off the bus unharmed but has been left badly shaken by the incident.
Speaking about this incident Chief Inspector Trevor Atkinson said: “Our investigation into this appalling incident is in its early stages and I would urge anyone with information to contact police. Alongside our criminal investigation, we will be stepping up our visible neighbourhood policing presence in this area in the coming days. This is to provide reassurance to the local community. I would also like to take the opportunity to echo the words of our local elected representatives in condemning this reckless and futile act of destruction.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information in relation to it, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 444 of 01/11/21.
A report can be submitted online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
We are appealing for information following a hijacking incident in Newtownards pic.twitter.com/dXWzttGzW6
— Police Ards and North Down (@PSNIArdsNDown) November 1, 2021