Police investigate tractor incident after floodwaters damage businesses in UK

Police are investigating an incident in UK's Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, after a tractor drove through floodwaters on the high street, causing significant damage to local businesses. 

West Mercia Police confirmed they were aware of videos circulating on social media showing the tractor driving through floodwaters on November 24, and that an investigation was underway, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“We’re actively investigating the incident and officers are in Tenbury Wells this morning speaking to those whose businesses and properties may have been affected, as well as reviewing additional video footage,” the police said. “No arrests have been made at this time.”

The video footage shows the large green tractor plowing through the floodwaters, with onlookers reacting in shock. People can be heard exclaiming: “Oh my good God,” and “You have not just done that, you idiot.”

Some business owners in the market town stated that they believed they wouldn’t have been severely impacted by the flooding if it hadn’t been for the water smashing windows and doors, which had been keeping the floodwaters out.

Others mentioned that they had already experienced flooding, but the wave caused by the tractor exacerbated the damage.

“It’s devastating, that’s the only word for it,” said Paul Birkin, the owner of the Crow pub. “Yes, it was bad, the water had come up, but nothing would have happened to the pub if it wasn’t for the tractor. There wasn’t a drop of water in here until he drove through.”

“This business would have probably gotten away with it, but he came down, for whatever reason, at that speed.” The pub's locked front doors were forced open and smashed, along with the windows beside them, as the wave of water sent sandbags flying across the room.

“What happened yesterday – yes, the floods are terrible, we are used to that, we prepare as best we can. But nothing could have prepared you for what that person did with the tractor. It was totally unnecessary,” Birkin said.

Louise Preston, who owns the Pitter Potter pottery studio with her mother, explained that their shop window was completely shattered by the wave created by the tractor.

By Naila Huseynova