EMERGENCY crews were forced to respond after an act of alleged vandalism saw a bus set on fire in Stevenston.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they were called to reports of the incident on the town's Hayocks Road at around 4.34pm on Thursday, November 7.

Two appliances were sent to the blaze aboard a Stagecoach bus.

The service said there were no reports of any casualties and that passengers were evacuated from the bus before their arrival.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 4.34pm on Thursday, November 7, to reports of a vehicle fire on Hayocks Road, Stevenson.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene where firefighters extinguished a fire affecting a double-decker bus.

“There are no reported casualties, and crews left after ensuring the area was safe."

Bus operators Stagecoach confirmed the incident took place on their service 18, describing the acts as "vandalism".

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that our service 18 bus in the Hayocks area of Stevenson was vandalised and set on fire yesterday, November 7.

"Fortunately, no passengers or Stagecoach staff were injured. Police and fire services attended the scene and we are continuing to work with the emergency services regarding this incident.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “Around 4.35pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024, we received a report of a bus on fire on Hayocks Road, Stevenston.

“There are no reports of any injuries.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.”