Sheffield tree protesters 'spent eight hours in cell' after being arrested

One of the tree protesters arrested in Sheffield yesterday has said they were held for eight hours in a police cell.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Feb 2017, 06:38 BST
Updated 7th Feb 2017, 06:57 BST
One of the seven tree protesters to be arrested holds aloft a clenched fist as they are led to a police vanOne of the seven tree protesters to be arrested holds aloft a clenched fist as they are led to a police van
One of the seven tree protesters to be arrested holds aloft a clenched fist as they are led to a police van

Green Party councillor Alison Teal was among seven people arrested during a peaceful protest in Chippinghouse Road, Nether Edge, against the felling of a horse chestnut tree by council contractor Amey.

She tweeted shortly before midnight to say: "Thanks for support today, 8hr in cell but never felt alone. Great campaigners, sad we didn't save this tree though."

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Police and protesters look on as a tree surgeon attempts to begin work felling the horse chestnut in Chippinghouse RoadPolice and protesters look on as a tree surgeon attempts to begin work felling the horse chestnut in Chippinghouse Road
Police and protesters look on as a tree surgeon attempts to begin work felling the horse chestnut in Chippinghouse Road

Around 40 people had gathered in the street to protest after workers arrived in the morning to cut down the tree.

South Yorkshire Police said they were called to the scene by the council at 9.30am, and at one point there were at least 10 police officers present.

Police arrested four women and three men under the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, after they defied orders to leave the foot of the tree and stand beyond the cordon so work could be carried out safely.

The tree was later removed, and Sheffield Council's environment chief, Councillor Bryan Lodge, criticised those attempting to disrupt the work for costing taxpayers' money.

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Demonstrators sat at the foot of the tree before being arrestedDemonstrators sat at the foot of the tree before being arrested
Demonstrators sat at the foot of the tree before being arrested

Two people were previously arrested and later charged under the same legislation during another demonstration in Nether Edge last year. Simon Crump and Calvin Payne are due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on March 9.

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Related topics:SheffieldSouth Yorkshire PolicePoliceGreen Party