TWO teenage boys were arrested after youths broke into the Taunton Crown Court building, letting off fire extinguishers and causing damage.

Police were called to Shire Hall, in Shuttern at 6.20pm yesterday (Wednesday, October 11).

They were responding to reports that "young people had gained access" to the premises and were on scaffolding around the outside of the building.

Two teenagers were arrested shortly before 9pm.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 6.20pm on Wednesday 11 October to reports that young people had gained access to Shire Hall in Taunton and the Crown Court building and were on scaffolding.

"Officers attended and two teenagers were safely detained just before 9pm.

"Doors and windows were found to have been damaged and fire extinguishers let off.

"A boy aged 14 was arrested on suspicion of burglary and remains in police custody today, Thursday 12 October.

"A 16-year-old boy, also arrested on suspicion of burglary, was released on bail pending further enquiries."

If you have any information which could help the police investigation, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223248794.

Maintenance work began on the building has been ongoing since February last year and the County Gazette reported last month that the court was temporarily closed.

The building is owned by Somerset Council, which has previously failed to respond to our requests for a comment on reports of vandalism and anti-social behaviour there over the summer.