An arson attack has resulted in the destruction of seven specially adapted minibuses used by children and people with disabilities, leaving them with smashed windows, melted tires, and completely written off. The incident took place at a park-and-ride facility in Somerset, with police suspecting the fire was started deliberately.
Belonging to Somerset Council, the vehicles were worth tens of thousands of pounds and were completely destroyed at the Silk Mills Park and Ride. This devastating act will have a significant impact on vulnerable members of the community, and the authorities are urging anyone with relevant information, especially those who were in the area at the time of the incident, to come forward.
Despite the destruction, park-and-ride and school services are expected to continue running as usual, with the public advised to follow the Travel Somerset X page for updates. Both the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are conducting investigations into the arson.
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Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported that the fire, involving four minibuses, was deliberate and resulted in 100% damage to those vehicles, with an additional three minibuses facing 50% damage. Multiple resources, including fire engines and a water carrier, were mobilized to extinguish the flames.
Avon and Somerset Police have issued a statement appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the area to come forward and aid in the investigation.