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Man arrested after tractor driven through flood-hit UK town

Footage of the incident went viral on social media and prompted backlash among locals

Holly Evans
Tuesday 26 November 2024 07:03 EST
Tractor creates devastating wave by driving through flooded UK town

A man has been arrested after a tractor caused large waves to damage shops as it was driven through deep floodwaters in Worcestershire.

The town centre of Tenbury Wells was flooded on Monday after a wall collapsed by Kyre Brook, which caused a surge of water to rush through the streets.

In a video shared on social media, a wave caused by the vehicle was seen striking shops and homes along the street, causing some windows to smash.

In the footage, people can be heard saying ā€œthatā€™s caused so much damage, all the shops up the high streetā€.

A 57-year-old was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving and released on bail while inquiries continue, police said.

Insp Dave Wise, of West Mercia Police, said: ā€œIā€™d like to thank everyone who brought this incident to our attention, and to the local community for their co-operation and support yesterday while we carried our initial inquiries.ā€

Adding he understood the upset and anger caused, he said: ā€œOfficers will continue to be out and about in Tenbury in the coming days to assist the local community and our partner agencies with recovery efforts following the flooding.ā€

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