Yobs post cop car arson on YouTube

Apr 25 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

SHOCKING video footage of a police car being torched by yobs as officers responded to an emergency call has been posted on the internet.

The mobile phone clip, which can be seen on the YouTube video-sharing website, captures the blazing patrol vehicle outside Overpool train station.

British Transport Police officers parked the car between 9.40 and 10.10pm on Tuesday, April 8, following reports that a man had been seen walking on the tracks.

While they were carrying out a search yobs attacked and set fire to the vehicle, which was totally destroyed and will cost more than £16,000 to replace.

Investigating officer PC Liam Smithies, of Cheshire Constabulary, said the incident could have put lives in danger.

He is urging witnesses to come forward to help catch the culprits.

PC Smithies said: “This was a very serious incident. It’s a big worry for us because someone could have been inside the car.

“We are used to having bricks and stones thrown at our cars but not vehicles being torched.

“The Overpool area has been pretty quiet over the past few months since the introduction of the ASBOs and it being taken off as a hotspot but this has raised concerns again.

“We will be making enquiries about the video that was put on the internet. It’s difficult to say at this stage whether the person who put it on was involved in the attack on the car.

“I’m also keen to speak to witnesses or anyone who has information.

“Somebody must have driven past at the time and seen what happened.”

A British Transport Police spokesperson said its officers had stepped up patrols in the Overpool area following the incident.

If you have any information contact PC Smithies on 0845 458 6373 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

SHOCKING FOOTAGE: A video clip of a burning police car has been posted on the YouTube website.