Four "extremely reckless" fires have been deliberately started on buses across east London since New Year, police have said.

The Met Police confirmed the first two incidents, which took place on January 2 and 3 in Waltham Forest, are being treated as connected.

The other two that happened on January 4 in Redbridge and on January 6 in Havering are not being linked to each other.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the four incidents.

Det Sgt Cassandra Osborne, from the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: "We are appealing to the public for any information to help us apprehend whoever is responsible for these fires.

"These are extremely reckless actions which are putting the lives of innocent people at risk. All these buses were in service at the time of the fires and it is only by sheer luck that no-one has been hurt.

"If you can help, please get in contact as soon as possible."

Two fires took place in Walthamstow, the first at 5.55pm on January 2 and the second at 7.45pm on January 3 on a route 97 bus.

Due to the similarities in the offences, including the areas set alight and the times and locations, they are being treated as linked.

The next fire was at 10.40pm, January 4, when a seat was set on fire on a route 179 bus in Woodford.

On January 6, shortly after midnight, a fire was believed to have been started near to the door areas of a route 165 bus in Rainham.

On all occasions there were no injuries.

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Tom Cunnington, Transport for London's head of buses business development, said: "Thankfully no-one was hurt during these incidents.

"We are supporting the police with their investigations into this highly dangerous behaviour. It is reckless and irresponsible, putting lives at risk.

"We urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 3625/8Jan.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and provide information anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.