Teenager arrested as police investigate Taunton minibuses fire
Seven specially adapted vehicles were destroyed on Saturday evening (26th April)
Last updated 28th Apr 2025
A 17 year old boy's been arrested by police in Taunton, who are investigating a fire which destroyed specially adapted minibuses.
The vehicles were found alight at the Silk Mills Park and Ride at around 7.50pm on Saturday (26th April) - no-one was injured in the incident.
The minibuses are used by people with disabilities and schoolchildren.
Fire investigators believe the blaze to have been a deliberate ignition.
A teenager, from Taunton, arrested yesterday (Sunday 27th April) remains in police custody - he's being questioned on suspicion of arson, assault by beating of an emergency worker, and affray.
PCSO Supervisor Sam Bushen from Avon and Somerset Police 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."
There's an ongoing appeal for information into what happened - we're asked to call 101, or use the force website, quoting reference number 5225117181.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Somerset Council response
The authority say the damage caused to the vehicles totals more than £250,000.
Despite the incident, all Park and Ride services are running as normal from the site, along with 16 SEN college routes, two vulnerable adult bus services and nine community routes.
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.”