A TEENAGER has been arrested by officers investigating arson in Silk Mills, Park and Ride, Taunton which left seven specially adapted minibuses destroyed.
Avon and Somerset Police were called by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service shortly after 7.50pm on Saturday, April 26 reporting vehicles, used by people with disabilities and schoolchildren, were “well alight” at Silk Mills Park and Ride, Taunton.
There were no injuries caused by the blaze, but in addition to the four destroyed specialist vehicles worth up to £250,000, three other vehicles were badly damaged.
Fire service investigators later determined the cause of the fire to be deliberate ignition, and a police investigation began.
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READ MORE: Minibuses destroyed by arson at Taunton Park and Ride
If you have any information that may help our investigation, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225117181 or through our website at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/forms/sia?Reference=5225117181
A 17-year-old boy, from Taunton, was arrested yesterday (April 27) on suspicion of arson, assault by beating of an emergency worker, and affray. He remains in police custody.
PCSO Supervisor Sam Bushen said: “We know the substantial impact the loss of these vehicles will have on some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“As soon as the incident was first reported, a thorough investigation was launched, and last night’s arrest was a significant milestone in that.”
Despite the loss of the vehicles, Somerset Council’s services continued as normal today.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture said: “This is an appalling incident and we are providing all the help we can to police to assist their ongoing investigation.
“However, I would like to pay tribute to our fantastic transport team. Staff gave up some of their Sunday to make sure we had the extra buses we needed to make sure some of our most vulnerable children and young people had their essential transport services on Monday morning. It was a fantastic effort and we’re really grateful to them.
“We have even been offered the loan of specialised vehicles from two local businesses. At times like this you really do see the best of people in Somerset.”
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