Fire destroys Somerset Council minibuses
Police are investigating in Taunton after a suspected arson
Last updated 24th Aug 2023
Police are investigating a fire at a secure Somerset Council vehicle compound in Taunton.
Avon and Somerset Police were called at about 1.50am this morning (Thursday 24 August) to Silk Mills Lane in Taunton.
Seven council minibuses were burnt out in the incident at the Park and Ride site, and we're told service today has been unaffected.
Nobody was injured.
All Council-run services that operate from Silk Mills (bus services 3, 12 and S1,2 and 3, learning disability routes, Community Transport and the Slinky Demand responsive service) are continuing to operate as normal.
Because of the school holidays, Somerset Council say the impact of the arson is not as damaging to service levels as it could have been.
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.
“Thankfully Somerset Council currently has sufficient vehicles to maintain all services from Taunton whilst schools are off and 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’d urge anyone who has any information they think can help the investigation to contact police immediately.”
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service reported a suspected arson, so police are appealing for witnesses and information.
Police want you to get in touch if you were in the Silk Mills Lane area at around the time.
Also, they want to know if you have any dashcam or other footage which could help the investigation.
You can call 101 and give the reference 5223204747.