TWO teenagers were arrested by Avon and Somerset Police in connection to significant criminal damage at a coach firm in Midsomer Norton.

One of the boys was later de-arrested.

Two minibuses, five single decker coaches and three double decker vehicles were damaged, along with two privately-owned cars. Almost every window of the coaches was reportedly smashed.

A further three vehicles were damaged — these were vintage models being preserved as travel heritage, and will be very difficult to repair.

Police are now appealing for information as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident.

Officers were called just before 8pm on Monday, April 13, to Centurion Travel's storage yard in West Road, Welton.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed: “Company staff were alerted to the damage and detained one person at the scene. They told officers about five people with their faces covered had been there when they arrived, and that they believed they were all teenagers.

“A boy in his mid-teens was arrested at the time but it was later necessary to de-arrest him and take him home. He will be interviewed in due course.

“A second boy, also in his mid-teens, was arrested on Tuesday, April 14, on suspicion of causing criminal damage, and remains in police custody.”

Managing director of the coach firm Martin Spiller said the damage would affect the community as well as his family-run firm as the company runs school services.

He said nothing like this has happened since the business opened its depot in Welton in 1973, and the firm faces costs of tens of thousands in repairs and sourcing replacement vehicles to fulfil its contracts.

If anyone has any relevant dashcam or other footage, or any information which could help the investigation, call 101 and give the reference 5226100931.