On two occaisions during today's day of action against Drax power station, a farmer drove his tractor striaght at groups of protesters. The first, in a field being crossed by white suited protesters and the samba band, caused people to run out of the way before the police shouted at the man to desist. The second, against the Kid's Block protest at the main gate, was prevented by police, who dragged the man from the cab and arrested him. Footage shows that it was the same farmer on both occaisions.
An eyewitness to the first incident reports, "as we were marching along the side of one of many fields between the camp and the perimeter fence, a tractor appeared and raced across the fields towards us. As he drew near, it became obvious that he did not intend to stop. He shouted abuse, then turned his tractor round for a second shot. At this point he was driving straight towards the column of protestes, which split in two around him. If anyone had failed to realise in time, it could have been lethal.
"When he stopped the second time to continue his yelling, the police attempted to calm him down. He claimed that there was some agreement between the police and himself that we would not be allowed on his fields."
Another eyewitness, present at the second incident, reports: "The tractor then appeared at the main gate of the power station, and rattled towards the childrens block, byepassing the police lines, on to the pavement and tried to head straight towards families sat round having their picnic. The police managed to stop the tractor by jumping into the cab. They then disarmed the farmer who was carrying a hockey stick. The police continued to punch the farmer and restrain him whilst pulling him out of the cab. Once on the ground, covered in blood, the police arrested him. This is the same famer who's given land to the police for their vehicles, so perhaps he may get off with a caution??"
"When he stopped the second time to continue his yelling, the police attempted to calm him down. He claimed that there was some agreement between the police and himself that we would not be allowed on his fields."
Another eyewitness, present at the second incident, reports: "The tractor then appeared at the main gate of the power station, and rattled towards the childrens block, byepassing the police lines, on to the pavement and tried to head straight towards families sat round having their picnic. The police managed to stop the tractor by jumping into the cab. They then disarmed the farmer who was carrying a hockey stick. The police continued to punch the farmer and restrain him whilst pulling him out of the cab. Once on the ground, covered in blood, the police arrested him. This is the same famer who's given land to the police for their vehicles, so perhaps he may get off with a caution??"
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