Arson probe after buses are destroyed in Devon

Police have launched an arson investigation after three buses were destroyed in an early morning fire.

Officers were called to the Paignton bus station in Devon shortly before 4.30am today after residents reported hearing a loud explosion on Great Western Road, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said.

Two double-decker buses and one single-decker bus have been destroyed in the blaze, with an estimated damage cost of around £120,000.

A joint investigation with the fire service will be taking place into the cause of the fire, which officers confirmed is being treated as suspected arson.

The bus station remains closed and is likely to be closed for several hours, police said.

Operator Stagecoach are working to get replacement buses to the area and report that this is unlikely to impact on bus services around Torbay.

Nobody was injured during the blaze, police confirmed. Witnesses are asked to contact detectives.

PA