Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with a spate of criminal damage to buses in Stockport. All of the youngsters, aged 14, were detained by officers from GMP on Wednesday (18 May).
The incidents are alleged to have happened on buses travelling between Stockport town centre and the Brinnington estate between May 10 and May 17 this year.
It comes after the M.E.N. reported how passengers were let on to one Stagecoach bus which had 'every window smashed' during an incident involving 'a group' on May 10.
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Shocking footage taken by Konrad Sutton-Burns showed the appalling level of damage to the vehicle as shards of glass could be seen scattered across the floor and seats. The 325 bus had been travelling through the Brinnington estate on when it was targeted.
Speaking to the M.E.N, Mr Sutton-Burns said: "Brinnington is just getting worse and worse, it's beyond a joke now. I actually got on the bus after it had happened. I didn't even realise it was like that at first. The driver just charged me and I got on and thought where am I going to sit.
"I didn't really realise the magnitude of it until I sat down. I couldn't believe passengers were being allowed on the bus with it in that state. I was just a bit in shock."
Mr Sutton-Burns said pretty much 'every window' on the bus had been smashed. Video footage shows some windows completely emptied of glass, with others appearing to have bits of sharp glass poking through.
A spokesperson from Stagecoach confirmed they were aware of the incident and were working with GMP and TravelSafe to investigate the incident.
In an update on Thursday (19 May), police said three teenagers had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and had since been released pending further enquiries. They are now appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Inspector Stephen Griffin said: "This behaviour is totally unacceptable, not only putting other passengers and Stagecoach staff at risk, but also at a cost to the bus company."
TfGM’s TravelSafe Manager Kate Green, said: "The incidents in Brinnington, where buses have been deliberately targeted and staff and passengers left to feel intimidated and unsafe, are unacceptable and simply won’t be tolerated."
Enquiries are ongoing to identify offenders - anyone with information can call 0161 856 1855. Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
