Canalside arsonists disrupt Birmingham trains

Canalside arsonists disrupt Birmingham trains

07 May 2011

published by www.birminghammail.net 


United Kingdom: ARSONISTS set a series of fires alongside a Birmingham canal causing disruption to trains travelling on a railway just metres away.

Three bush fires, each about 20 square metres, were set on the path alongside Birmingham Canal where it runs parallel to Northbrook Street in Ladywood.

Train drivers were instructed to slow down causing minor delays on several services after huge plumes of smoke gathered above the track from about 9.30pm on Thursday.

Andy Gillespie, watch commander at Ladywood fire station, said: “I would imagine the fires were started by kids but it was certainly arson.

“It was a tricky one to deal with because it was so hard to access the fires along the narrow pathway.

“There was a risk to rail drivers and passengers but also the firefighters because the flames were so close to high voltage rail lines.”

British Transport Police are investigating.
 


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