Police remain at the scene of a deliberately lit bus fire on the state's mid north coast.
About 1.15pm (Thursday 11 March 2021), emergency services were called to the corner of Lake and West Streets, Forster, following reports a bus was well alight.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze a short time later, which has completely destroyed the vehicle.
Police have been told a female passenger entered the on-board toilet facilities and allegedly lit a small fire.
The male bus driver safely evacuated all six passengers from the bus before alerting emergency services.
The female fled the scene, with officers attached to Manning-Great Lakes Police District currently conducting extensive inquiries into her whereabouts.
Due to the location of the blaze, power to surrounding streets has been knocked out, including Forster Police Station.
Lake Street remains closed in both directions, local diversions are in place.
Inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
