The replacement Barry's Bus has been struck by arsonists, just a month after it was resurrected.

The bus, which was revived by Keighley Community Transport to honour local politician Barry Thorne, was set on fire on Tuesday night outside Holmewood Old People's Home, Fell Lane.

KCT chairman Brian Hudson said: "I'm absolutely sick. You try to give them good stuff but these people are not fit to be called humans.

"They know what they are doing -- that bus is used by Alzheimer's sufferers. Why do they go for the people who are most vulnerable? They are just animals -- they want putting down."

The new £26,000 16-seater minibus was put back on the road by KCT last month to replace the original nine-seater Barry's Bus, which was also the victim of an arson attack 18 months ago.

Three buses were torched in a four-month period, which threatened the future of the voluntary transport service.

The fire had been started with a makeshift incendiary device but caused only limited damage.

Transport organiser Stephen Shorten said: "Fortunately there was not a lot of damage, but that is beside the point really. They prised away the bottom of the door and stuck a fuse under the door and that has set fire to the inside of the door. Fortunately, one of the tins inside exploded and it looks like that put the fire out. We have been lucky."

Cllr Thorne did not understand why such people kept on targeting the buses.

"I am very disappointed," he said. "Whoever has done it, maybe they know someone disabled or old and they would think again about it.

"If they want to pick a fight, pick a fight with someone their own size. They are just cheap, nasty, sick parasites."

Anybody with any information about the attack should contact Keighley Police on 01535 617059.