An Edinburgh teen charity have been left devastated after heartless vandals torched their mini bus.
The Muirhouse Youth Development Group lease a 12-seater mini bus to take school kids to their Ratho retreat and for days out during holidays.
The group who are well known in the North Edinburgh community were horrified to discover it had been torched in broad daylight over the weekend.
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The van was parked at Kirkliston High School in a secure location with CCTV when it was torched by mindless vandals at around 5:15pm.
Many across the Muirhouse community are in shock over the careless action and can't understand why anyone would do such a thing.
Katy Nichol who is the operation manager at the charity explained the mini bus was used by around 100 school kids and described the mode of transport as their "livelihood".
The incident is now being probed by Edinburgh cops and the Fire and Rescue Service.
Sadly, due to insurance issues and lack of supply it could be months until there is a replacement vehicle. As a result the charity has been forced to cancel upcoming summer trips for the kids.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Katy Nichol, operational manager at Muirhouse Youth Development Group said: "We are devastated that our bus has been the victim of arson.
"The police were at the scene on Saturday with the fire brigade and are currently working with us to find out what happened.
"Naturally the local community support has been amazing and as a local organisation we are so thankful for this!
"We are sad that our programme will be effected by this as our minibus is at the heart of what we do with our young people for trips and work with groups."
The community were devastated over the heartless attack, with many sending messages of support to the charity.
Pauline Ford Bowie said: "Why honestly Muirhouse Youth Development Group do so much for the kids and youth In the community."
Tracey At Forthview exclaimed: "This is devastating for the kids who love this organisation."
While George Reavley added: "Mindless jealous thugs that should know better.
"If it was their bus it would be different. Hope you get one soon."
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We became aware of a van on fire near Craigroyston High School on Pennywell Road in Edinburgh around 5.15pm on Saturday, 23 April.
“The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and enquiries are being carried out to establish the cause of the fire.”
