UK riots: Trial for Winsford man accused of torching school bus

Joshua Sigley faces three counts of arson and a charge of possessing an offensive weapon.

It follows a series of incidents around Winsford on August 4, during which a Cheshire West and Chester Council-owned bus was set on fire, along with wheelie bins and telegraph poles.

Sigley, of St Chad’s Field, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday (August 9), where a date of August 16 was set for a trial at Chester Crown Court.

The 24-year-old will remain in custody until then.

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Damage caused to a council-owned bus (Image: Philip Carden)

Despite previously stating otherwise, Cheshire Police now say that Sigley’s arrest was in connection with the recent riots which have taken place across the UK.

However, police maintain there has been no violent disorder in the county and that residents should not be alarmed by a heightened police presence

Speaking on Friday, Chief Superintendent Alison Ross said: “We will continue to have additional patrols out across the county to provide reassurance to residents.

“You might also see officers from other police forces - there's no need to worry, this is part of the national response to the ongoing disorder nationally.

“There's also nothing to suggest serious disorder is currently planned in our county and we'll continue to monitor social media for that.

“Don't panic with regards to rumours you might see or worry about contacting us to let us know - if you can see it, we'll already have seen it, will risk assess it and if needed, act upon it.”

She added: “We'd also ask that you don't share any malicious or inaccurate information that you might see. These messages have only been posted to create fear, hate and disorder in our communities.

“As we move forward, we will continue to have extensive resources in place to keep our communities safe and ensure that swift and robust action is taken against all those who are found to have broken the law.”

Police say Sigley's arrest was in connection to recent riots around the UK (Image: Supplied)

Police were first alerted to a suspected arson incident in Winsford at around 5.17pm on August 4, when reports came in of two men starting a fire on High Street, causing a nearby telegraph pole to catch light.

Then, at around 9.43pm that night, officers assisted Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service following reports that a school bus had been set alight near to the Lifestyle Centre.

At 10.21pm, while officers were conducting enquiries in relation to these incidents, they were made aware that a number of wheelie bins and telegraph poles had been set on fire on Leyland Walk, Glebe Green, and Ford Road.

A further small fire was reported at 12.27am in the area of Mount Pleasant Drive.

Officers were then called to reports of criminal damage at an address on St Chad's Field and two men were arrested on suspicion of arson.

The other man, 30 and from Winsford, has since been released on bail.