POLICE investigating an arson attack early on Thursday (August 24) which destroyed seven minibuses on the Silk Mills, Taunton, park and ride bus site have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

The fireraiser struck some time after midnight at a secure Somerset Council vehicle compound on the site and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service started receiving 999 calls shortly after 1 am.

Seven council minibuses were completely burnt out in the incident, but nobody was injured and park and ride bus services were not affected.

The compound was locked and was being monitored with CCTV cameras.

Firefighters from Wellington helped to tackle the blaze with two crews from Taunton Fire Station.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: “If you were in the Silk Mills Lane area at around that time, please get in touch, especially if you have any dashcam or other footage which could help the investigation.

“Please call 101 and give the reference 5223204747.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online athttps://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.”

A council spokesperson said due to the school holidays the wider impact was lessened and all council-run services operating from Silk Mills, including learning disability routes, community transport, and the Slinky demand responsive service were continuing to operate as normal.

The spokesperson said: “This is an appalling incident and we are providing all the help we can to police to assist their ongoing investigation.

“Thankfully, Somerset Council currently has sufficient vehicles to maintain all services from Taunton while schools are off.

“Our team is working to source replacement vehicles over the next week with the aim of providing all services from this depot when schools return in early September.

“I would urge anybody who has any information they think can help the investigation to contact police immediately.”