Liverpool Bus Driver Attacked: Two Teenagers Arrested After Fire

Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested after a driver was assaulted and a fire was started on a bus in Liverpool. At about 17:15 GMT on Saturday 10 January police were called to reports a group of youths had started a fire on the upstairs deck of a bus parked outside Morrisons supermarket on Penketh Drive, Speke. The youths managed to escape when the bus driver went upstairs and when he confronted them outside he was attacked but was able to drive away, Merseyside Police said. The teenagers were arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted criminal damage and have been released on bail. Merseyside Fire and Rescue service station manager, Alun Evans, said: "Anti-social behaviour is common but setting fire to a bus is another level. "We want people to realise that actions have consequences. Not only have they put themselves at risk but also the lives of everybody else on that bus and that's unacceptable." Merseyside Police said there had been extra patrols in the area and a dispersal zone was in place at the weekend, resulting in 14 notices being issued for incidents including cycling inside a shop and causing disruption to shoppers. "Although we have made two arrests in connection with the bus driver assault, our enquiries continue to identify anyone else involved," Ch Insp Nathan Stockley said. "Anti-social behaviour is totally unacceptable, and we understand the impact it has on those living in the area has on businesses and residents, and this is one of our community priorities. "This is a full partnership approach and the work we are doing is ongoing." He said high-visibility patrols would continue and work with local schools was ongoing. He also urged parents and guardians to "know where young people in your care are and what they are up to".