Police want to speak to two men as part of their investigation into a shocking arson on the top-deck of a bus.
Frightened passengers had to be evacuated from the 10a Stagecoach service as it was set on fire by thugs just over three weeks ago in the Prescot area.
The ECHO revealed photos of the senseless act of vandalism which left the top-deck seriously damaged by the flames.
Seats were ruined and it is expected to cost thousands of pounds to repair.
Today, detectives released clear CCTV images of two men they want to speak to in connection with the arson at 11.15am, on Tuesday, January 28.
The first man, who was wearing a dark-coloured bubble jacket with a navy blue hood covering his head, was captured a few times on the bus's cameras.
The second man, wearing a red coat and a cap, also features in the police's appeal because he was sat on the top-deck at the time, and officers think he possibly witnessed the arson.
The suspect got on the bus on Bridge Street, St Helens and got off on Warrington Road, Prescot, where the incident happened.
The man went in the direction of Martin Close.
Police described the arson as "reckless", "beyond belief" and "utterly irresponsible."
Detective Inspector Tony O’Brien, of Merseyside Police, said: “Starting a fire on a moving bus is an utterly irresponsible act and it is very fortunate that no one was harmed by the actions of the suspect.
“We hope that someone recognises the males in these images, as both may have information to assist.
"You may have been on the bus, or in the area at the time, or may recognise either person in the CCTV images.
“We are especially keen to speak to the second male (pictured) in the red jacket, as we believe he was sat on the top deck when the fire was started.”
All passengers got off the bus safe and well and crews attended to extinguish the fire.
If you have information, please call 101, DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 20000059685.
