VIGILANTES who took the law into their own hands after a multiple rapist from Taunton was jailed mistakenly targeted an innocent person.

It is thought the culprits started a fire and damaged a car in the grounds of the house where the rapist grew up, falsely believing he still lived there.

But they were unaware he had lived on the other side of town for a number of years, while his father had sold the property to new owners.

Jon Dawe, who moved into the street off the town centre in April 2021, was woken by a bang at about 2.30am yesterday (Sunday, October 16).

He said: "I looked out the window and saw the fence on fire.

"I ran downstairs and outside and put the fire out with a hose.

"Two of my neighbours had seen the fire and called the fire brigade and the police, who were there within 30 seconds."

The attackers had kicked in the fence, climbed into the garden, poured petrol to start the fire and threw branches at Mr Dawe's car, resulting in damage to the bonnet and windscreen, which both need replacing.

He is convinced the intended victim was Elias Arberry, 25, who was jailed for life at Taunton Crown Court on Friday (October 14) after admitting four rapes, two sexual assault and one count of wounding with intent.

Mr Dawe said: "I've never seen him.

"What happened shortly after he was sentenced is too much of a coincidence to have been a random attack.

"He lived here for over 20 years, but he hasn't been here for some time. It could have been someone who knew him.

"My wife and I bought the house in April last year and we're half way through renovating it.

"She wants to leave because she's worried it's going to happen again.

"We want to thank our neighbours who called the emergency services and the police and fire brigade who were on the scene so quickly."

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson confirmed officers had attended the incident.

He added: "The occupants of the property discovered a small fire at the base of their fence after hearing noises outside their home and put it out with a hose.

"It’s believed the damage to their car was caused by it being struck with a tree branch.

"Two men were seen acting suspiciously in the area at the time. One is described as white, with short brown hair and wore a brown and cream checked jacket.

"Crime scene investigators have attended and house to house and CCTV enquiries are also being carried out by officers.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5222248847."

READ MORE: Ellias Arberry jailed for life for four rapes.