AN entertainment venue in Taunton was evacuated after a suspected arson attack.

Tacchi Morris Arts Centre at School Road, Monkton Heathfield, was evacuated following reports of a fire within the toilet block at 12.27pm.

Avon and Somerset Police is now investigating the deliberate fire. 

A spokesman said: "We were alerted by the fire service at 12.56pm (June 5). 

"It is currently being treated as deliberate and we will investigate. 

"Anyone that saw anything suspicious is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 5217 126 015."

The art centre posted on social media informing the public the venue had been evacuated.

Somerset County Gazette:

Tape outside the back of the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre. 

A staff member at the entertainment venue said the cause of the fire is unknown but that the fire was started in the toilets.

Fire crews extinguished the fire using four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one safety jet and positive pressure ventilation. 

The toilet area was 25 per cent fire damaged and 100 per cent smoke damaged.