Four people arrested over 'significant' paint damage to Taunton's County Hall
The four people, in their 20s, 30s and 70s were taken in on suspicion of criminal damage and for locking onto a person - and remain in custody
Four people have been arrested after Taunton's County Hall was 'significantly' damaged by red paint this morning.
The suspects in their 20s, 30s and 70s were taken in on suspicion of criminal damage and for locking onto a person - and remain in custody.
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: “Four people were arrested today, Thursday 04 April, after County Hall in Taunton was damaged by paint.
“Police were called to the scene just after 7.50am and found significant damage.
“Officers arrested two men, one in his twenties and one in his thirties, and two women one aged in her thirties and one in her seventies, just after 8.15am on suspicion of criminal damage.
“The four were subsequently further arrested on suspicion of locking onto a person.
“Specialist officers attended to assist in removing the detainees, who have since been transported to a custody unit, where they remain.
“If you saw or have any information which could help the investigation into the damage, please call 101 and give the reference 5224085382.”
The local authority have condemned the incident.
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: "A further attack and criminal damage has been made against public property this morning which will inevitably result in additional costs at the public expense. We believe this incident relates to a legacy commercial investment which we have already agreed to dispose of.
“We have sought to engage protestors over their concerns but today’s events show their preference to cause damage rather than engage in meaningful conversation.
“While we respect the right of individuals and groups to protest, we strongly condemn this style of protest damaging a Grade II listed public building."
Read more: Somerset Council 'strongly condemns' graffiti on County Hall