SEVERAL minibuses destroyed in a copycat arson attack at the weekend had been specially adapted for use by people with disabilities and by schoolchildren.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to the incident, which happened on Taunton’s Silk Mills park and ride site on Saturday evening (April 26).

Seven minibuses and a car belonging to Somerset Council were destroyed in a secure compound on the site in a blaze which started shortly before 8 pm.

It was an identical incident to one in August, 2023, when seven minibuses were again destroyed in an arson attack for which a person was arrested a few hours later.

At the time, the arrested man was freed on police bail while inquiries continued, but no information was ever released about whether they were prosecuted or convicted.

Saturday’s repeat incident saw multiple calls to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue reporting vehicles on fire.

Firefighters from Taunton and Wellington were mobilised but were unable to save the minibuses.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said: “This will have a significant impact on vulnerable members of the community, and officers urge anybody who was in the area at the time to come forward.

“Thankfully, nobody was hurt.”

The spokesperson asked for any witnesses or anybody with dashcam or other information to contact police.

They said: “Police especially want to hear from you if you saw somebody acting suspiciously or have any relevant dashcam or other footage around the park and ride between 7 pm and 8 pm on Saturday.

“If you can help, please call 101 and give the reference 5225117181.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online.”

The spokesperson said both the park and ride and school services were expected to run as normal on Monday, but updates would be issued via @TravelSomerset.