The train carriage has reportedly suffered ‘extensive damage’ from the flames

Police are appealing for witnesses to a suspected arson attack on a Central Line train at Leyton Station on Saturday night (2nd December).

In a video of the incident posted on Twitter/X by London & UK Street News, smoke can be seen billowing out of an empty tube carriage. A small blaze is seen at the far-end of the carriage while people watch on the platform. The train carriage has reportedly suffered “extensive damage” from the flames.

According to the British Transport Police (BTP), who are investigating the blaze, the affected tube pulled into Leyton Station at around 10.13pm.

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

In a statement to the Echo, the BTP said that officers were called just before 11.50pm to a report of a bag that had “melted into the floor of the train”. It is unclear whether the train carriage was already ablaze before the train pulled into Leyton Station or was started once it had arrived.

No arrests have yet been made, a spokesperson confirmed.

Police are appealing for witnesses, particularly any passengers or people who took photos or videos of the incident to call 0800405040 or text 61016 with the reference 747-021223.

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