AN ARSON attack which destroyed two double-decker buses and seven coaches at a Gwent bus depot has caused £250,000 worth of damage.

Managing director of Stagecoach Wales John Gould was today counting the cost of Saturday's blaze at the company's Pontypool depot, and spoke of his shock at what he called a "mindless attack".

As reported in Monday's Argus, firefighters battled with the blaze at the Estate Road site, in Pontnewynydd, during the early hours of Saturday. Engines from Cwmbran, New Inn and Abergavenny attended the fire. Several other vehicles sustained minor damage in the blaze.

"Luckily no-one was injured, but the consequences could have been very serious indeed in different circumstances," said Mr Gould.

He added: "I was certainly very shocked when I got the call on Saturday morning. We've had acts of vandalism on the site before, but nothing like this.

"It's a reckless and mindless attack on our premises, and once again, we would urge local people to help track down those responsible, by contacting police if they saw anything suspicious on Saturday morning. "Normally we have around 22 vehicles parked in the yard, but very often there can be a lot more than this.

"We would stress that the company is operating as normal, and anyone who has booked an excursion or has hire arrangements with us has nothing to worry about, as we have drafted in alternative vehicles."

So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and Gwent Police have renewed their appeal for any witnesses to come forward.

Fire service arson investigation officer Mick Flanagan told the Argus he was satisfied the blaze was deliberate, but added that a joint fire service and police inquiry had not yet established how it was started.

"We would urge people to come forward, if they can help in any way," he added.