Arrests after windows on multiple vehicles smashed

Maisie LillywhiteWest of England
News imageAvon and Somerset Police The interior of a coach which has had all of its windows smashed. There are shards of glass all over the dark patterned fabric seats. It is dark outside.Avon and Somerset Police
Police said heritage vehicles had also been damaged at the coach yard

Two teenagers have been arrested after almost all the windows were smashed on vehicles parked at a storage yard.

Avon and Somerset Police said it was called after the "significant damage" was caused to two minibuses, five single-decker coaches, three double-decker vehicles, and two privately-owned cars at the yard near Midsomer Norton in Somerset.

Staff said five people with their faces covered had been on site when they got there, and a boy in his mid-teens was arrested at the scene before being de-arrested and taken home.

A second boy in his mid-teens was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of causing criminal damage, and remains in police custody.

Avon and Somerset Police said the first boy will be interviewed in due course but de-arresting him and taking him home had been "necessary".

A further three vintage vehicles were damaged, and will be "very difficult" to repair, police added.

Martin Spiller, managing director of Centurion Travel, said the damage would affect the community as well as his family-run firm.

He said the incident was unlike nothing that had happened since the business opened its depot in the Welton area in 1973.

News imageAvon and Somerset Police A coach at night in a depot with its windows smashed. There are remnants of shattered glass with large holes in. The coach is cream coloured with red and burgundy stripes on it.Avon and Somerset Police
The windows were smashed on Monday night, police said

Spiller said the firm now faces costs of "tens of thousands" in repairs and finding replacement vehicles to fulfil its contracts, especially for schools in Bath and North East Somerset now the Easter break has ended.

Avon and Somerset Police has asked anyone with relevant footage or information to get in touch with the force.

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