A TEENAGE boy has been arrested in connection with an alleged weekend arson attack which destroyed seven Somerset Council minibuses and a car on the Silk Mills park and ride site.

The vehicles were in a secure compound on the Taunton site where a fire started shortly before 8 pm on Saturday (April 26).

On Sunday, police arrested a 17-year-old from Taunton on suspicion of arson, assault by beating of an emergency worker, and affray.

The teenager remained in police custody on Monday.

The destroyed minibuses had been adapted for use by people with disabilities and by schoolchildren, but the council said it was still able to operate its services as normal on Monday.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary 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 yesterday’s arrest was a significant milestone in that.”

Fire service investigators determined the cause of the blaze to be deliberate ignition, and police immediately began an investigation.

Police have continued to appeal for any information which might help the investigation and asked people to call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225117181 or make contact through the force’s website.