London: Fake cigarette caused M6 police Megabus coach swoop

[SOUSGT 357]

Another reason to ban smoking on busses.

Police said they received a "genuine report" of vapour escaping from a bag. A police source told BBC Radio WM a passenger was seen pouring a liquid into a box, which then started smoking.

Staffordshire Police said the coach stopped on the hard shoulder "of its own accord" at 08:20 BST and was boarded by armed officers.

Military personnel, police dog handlers, firefighters and other specialist units were also at the scene. About four hours after armed officers arrived, police confirmed the scene as safe. Shortly before 1500 BST the M6 Toll reopened.

For more info:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-18719962

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-18728303