Port Stephens-Hunter police investigate party bus fires at Metford and Raymond Terrace
A police strike force is investigating links between the bizarre arson attacks on two so-called party buses some 20km and a month apart.
Newcastle
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He is the party pooper with a short fuse who has found himself in the sight of a police strike force.
Port Stephens-Hunter detectives are investigating links between the bizarre torching of two so-called party buses nearly 20km and a month apart.
Strike Force Debercant was established to investigate the arson attacks at Metford and Raymond Terrace last year, releasing closed circuit television footage of one of the incidents on Wednesday as they continue the hunt for the firebug.
The vision shows the unidentified man running away after one party bus, parked on Streeton Dr at Metford, bursts into flames about 3.40am on August 22 – a Monday.
The fire caused significant damage to the bus.
The man is described as being of caucasian appearance, of medium to solid build, approximately 180-185cm tall and aged in his 40s.
Some 27 days later, a second party bus parked at Kuranga Ave, Raymond Terrace was set on fire, completely destroying the vehicle.
Despite the buses being parked nearly 20km away from each other, detectives are investigating whether the two arson attacks are linked.
They have also released vision of a Nissan X-Trail seen near the Metford blaze, stating they “would like to speak with the driver, who may be able to assist police with their inquiries”.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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