HS2 is sinking to a new low, assaulting and illegally detaining 69 year old pensioner on public footpath. The incident occurred at Lichfield on the morning of 13th October 2020 and police had to step in.

Simon Beavis, a resident near Lichfield recalls his account of what happened:

“We’ve been on the footpath at Black Slough Wood near Lichfield again today to witness the felling of trees in ancient woodland by HS2. They haven’t been able to get permission from the county council to divert the footpath so instead have resorted to blocking the path with their machinery and vehicles and using their security staff to intimidate footpath users, falsely telling them that the path is closed.”

Simon continued:

“In this instance when one footpath user tried to walk past them they threw him to the ground and held him face down with high tension arm locks. The situation was only resolved after we called the police. They then backed down and allowed access to the footpath – which they had no right to close in the first place.

“This incident is now under investigation by the police and hopefully the security have been suspended by HS2. We will continue to use the footpath to witness and peacefully protest the destruction of this ancient woodland. We will not be intimidated by HS2 or their hired thugs and we would urge others to do the same.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McQZ-dpO2p4&w=560&h=315]

If you see anything that is not right, illegal, violence against members of public or wildlife crimes being committed by either HS2 Ltd or their contractors, please call the police on 999 and submit a complaint to HS2 Ltd immediately.

It is essential for complaints to be submitted to HS2 even if you think someone else has already done it. Visit https://www.hs2.org.uk/how-to-complain/ for more information.

Freephone: 08081 434 434
HS2 Complaints Form
Email: HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk