[ad_1]
This video shows the moment when an HS2 worker knelt on the neck of an activist.
The incident took place after a protester allegedly used a catapult to shoot carrots at the workers’ compound.
The protester is alleged to have been immobilized with a “knee in the neck for at least four minutes,” according to StaffordshireLive.
The incident took place in Fradley Wood, where a wooded area is being cleared to make way for the new high-speed line.
Local MP Michael Fabricant says he has written to police, ministers and HS2 after “multiple constituents” reported the alleged “excessive use of force.”
He rejected claims that the protester was thrown to the ground and kicked by “several” HS2 workers before being immobilized “with one knee to the neck for at least four minutes.”
HS2 bosses say their staff have been “repeatedly and excessively targeted by political activists” who have “subjected them to violence.”
Police have confirmed that they arrested a protester on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon and are now investigating the accusations against HS2 workers.
They were called to the site where the line is being built in Fradley Wood on Sunday, November 15, as workers cleared a wooded area.
Speaking based on what he claimed to be reports from his constituents, Mr. Fabricant said: “A lone protester recklessly shot some carrots using a catapult over the HS2 fence from across the road.
Did you know that we offer a free email newsletter service?
Each CheshireLive newsletter delivers the latest breaking news, hottest events and talking points delivered right to your inbox. For more information on how – and why – to subscribe, click here.
“The man was thrown to the ground by several members of HS2 security, kicked and pinned with one knee to the neck for at least four minutes, someone timed him.
“During this time several passing motorists stopped to protest, but it was not until the police arrived that they were able to get up.
“My views on HS2 and the destruction of ancient forests are well known.
“Despite my vote against the legislation in Parliament, HS2 was authorized with an overwhelming majority.
“However, the law does not allow excessive use of force by HS2 against protesters.
“I was not a witness to the event, so I cannot judge whether excessive force was used, or indeed force was necessary.
“But several voters have contacted me about this event and I take their concern seriously.
“I have therefore written to Gareth Morgan, the Staffordshire Police Chief of Police, to ask if there is evidence that HS2 personnel committed an assault and I have also written to Andrew Stephenson MP, the Minister of the Department of Transportation responsible for HS2 – and the managing director of HS2, Mark Thurston.
“Legal protest against HS2 is allowed. HS2’s heavy-handed tactics are not.”
A spokesperson for HS2 said: “In recent weeks, HS2 has been repeatedly and excessively targeted by political activists who have entered construction sites illegally, endangering themselves, our workers and the general public, subjecting our workers employed to violence and antisocial behavior and placing unnecessary stress on emergency services during the pandemic.
“HS2 has been endorsed by democratically elected MPs on multiple occasions and the project is playing a vital role in helping Britain’s economic recovery.
“There are already 13,000 people working on the project and we recently announced another 22,000 jobs across the country at a time when you need them most.”
A Staffordshire police spokesman said: “We were called in for an incident around 11.30am on Sunday 15 November after a man was reported to have fired pellets at staff working at a site in Fradley.
“Officers attended the scene and a 50-year-old man from Wolverhampton was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon. He has since received a conditional warning.
“After the incident, we learned of the complaints about how security personnel detained the man at the scene and we are investigating.
“Anyone with information should contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or on social media referring to incident 227 on November 15.”
[ad_2]
