Teen sentenced after setting fire to minibuses

The arson attacks took place at Silk Mills Park and Ride

An 18-year-old who admitted setting fire to minibuses used by people with disabilities and schoolchildren has been sentenced to a two-year detention.

The teen, who cannot be named as he was 17 at the time of the offences, carried out the arson attack at Silk Mills Park and Ride in Taunton on 26 April, destroying seven minibuses, including four specially-adapted vehicles worth up to £250,000.

He was also charged with one count of arson to a car, criminal damage to two cars, affray and assault by beating an emergency worker.

Det Sgt William Instance, of Avon and Somerset Police, said the "huge" damage to the minibuses "has had a significant impact on the local community".

The teenager pleaded guilty to all six offences last month.

On Thursday at Exeter Magistrates Court, he was given a two-year custodial sentence and ordered to pay £600 compensation to those whose vehicles were damaged.

Somerset Council at the time called the incident "appalling"