Liverpool Travelodge wrecked by digger driver on day construction completed in 'row over unpaid wages'
‘There were loads of workers outside all gobsmacked, jaws to the floor,’ witness says
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A digger driver has been filmed destroying the lobby of a new Travelodge hotel in apparent fury over unpaid pages on the day construction was completed.
Footage of the rampage shows the vehicle repeatedly smashing into the entrance of the building in Liverpool as workers plead with the man to stop.
Police are hunting the driver, who is said to have been angry about being owed £600.
There were construction workers inside the Edge Lane hotel at the time the chaos unfolded, with one heard shouting, “No! I’ll give you the money myself”, as the digger wrecked the reception area.
Merseyside Police said one man was treated for eye irritation due to exposure to diesel.
“The handover was today, everything completed, we’d put the last tile in, cleaned up and made sure everything was perfect,” said ceiling fixer Samuel White. “Then some idiot in a mini digger decided to drive through the middle of the building.”
The 24-year-old repeated claims made on social media that the driver of the digger was angry over a pay dispute.
He said the destruction, which started shortly before 3pm on Sunday, went on for “a good 20 or 30 minutes” before the driver climbed out of the vehicle and ran off.
“There were loads of workers outside all gobsmacked, jaws to the floor wondering what’s going on,” said Mr White. “The site manager was running around like a headless chicken, he wasn’t happy at all.”
In the video, which has been shared widely on social media, construction workers can be heard swearing and shouting, “No! No!”, as the digger is driven up steps and crashes into the hotel’s doors.
The digger’s arm smashes windows and tears ceiling panels and wiring from the ceiling as the vehicle advances into the hotel.
Police appealed for information about the rampage. In a statement, the force said: “A report was received shortly before 3pm that the digger was being driven into the entrance of the Travelodge building in the Liverpool Innovation Park.
“The driver then left the vehicle and made off on foot in the direction of Edge Lane.
“One man experienced eye irritation due to exposure to diesel and was treated at the scene by North West Ambulance Service. It is not believed anyone else was injured during the incident.
“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and contractors attended to ensure the site was safe.”
Travelodge declined to comment, citing the open police investigation, but said developers had not yet handed over the site.
The Independent has contacted the developer for comment.
Additional reporting by agencies