Three boys were arrested on Sunday February 26 after a member of the public reported axe welding vandals damaging the West Somerset Railway. The police responded with firearms and dogs units and arrested three boys.

Avon and Somerset Police has now confirmed that the suspects were de-arrested after their parents were called to the scene.

A spokesperson for the force said: “At 5.45pm on Sunday 26 February we received a report criminal damage was being caused to trains at West Somerset Railway in Minehead. Officers attended and arrested three boys. 

“The boy’s parents were called to the scene and, after their details were taken, they were de-arrested. Several carriages were damaged in the incident with windows smashed, a fire extinguisher let off and paint tipped over inside. Enquiries, including a review of any CCTV, are ongoing. 

“Anyone who witnessed the damage being caused or who has information which could help our enquiry is asked to phone 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223046878.”

Being de-arrested is set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 as occurring 'at any time before the person arrested reaches a police station, a constable is satisfied that there are no grounds for keeping him under arrest.'

In a statement released on social media the West Somerset Railway expressed their disappointment at the incident. A spokesperson for the railway said: "It is disappointing to report that a number of rail vehicles have been damaged in the sidings at Minehead station.

"Following a report by a nearby resident to police, the police apprehended and detained three individuals."

West Somerset Railway General Manager Kerry Noble said: "We are very grateful to the nearby resident who reported this activity, and to the police for responding rapidly and taking the appropriate action.

"We will be working hard to ensure the vehicles are back in use again as soon as possible."