Caller sought in fire inquiry

The fire is believed to have been deliberately started

Police investigating arson at the former Tangier Youth and Community Centre in Taunton have asked an anonymous caller to ring again.

They say the witness could hold vital clues.

The man called police from a phone box in the town saying he knew who had started the fire.

The call was made two hours after the fire brigade were alerted.

On bail

The man gave no details of his identity and has not called back since.

DC Glyn Edwards of Taunton CID said: "We would urge this man to get back in touch with us as he may have vital information."

A 33-year-old local man was arrested following the fire.

He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

About 150 people spent the night in an emergency centre in the town after being ordered to leave their homes at 2100 BST on Wednesday.

The fire at the disused centre in Castle Street was reported by staff at a nearby supermarket at 2040 BST.

Fire crews had to withdraw when they discovered the building contained significant amounts of asbestos.

They had to set up unmanned hoses to continue fighting the flames from a safe distance.

Somerset Health Protection Unit later announced little or no asbestos fibres had been released into the atmosphere as a result of the fire.