Two more arrests at tree felling site in Sheffield

They are the latest in a series of arrests of protesters who are angry Sheffield council contractor Amey is chopping down what they say are healthy trees.

Police said: "One woman was arrested on suspicion of Obstructing the Highway under section 303 of the Highways Act 1980.

"A second woman, aged 53, was arrested on suspicion of Obstructing a Constable under section 89 of the Police Act 1996."

It brings the total number of arrests in the last 48 hours to five.

On Wednesday a 57-year-old woman was arrested as trees were being felled in Rivelin Valley Road after she blew a plastic trumpet and set off a rape alarm.

She was arrested on suspicion of causing intentional harm or distress following a complaint from a member of the public, and she received a court summons, police said.

A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and accepted a fixed penalty notice.

A 65-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing work under section 303 of the Highways Act 1980. A number of other people at the site were also reported on summons under section 303, South Yorkshire police said.

A 61-year-old woman was taken to hospital after being injured in the protest.

Police called the Yorkshire ambulance service and she was taken to casualty “as a precaution”, the force said.

The trees row has escalated in recent weeks with a number of city politicians calling for felling to be halted.