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Thousands of pounds raised for digger driver who wrecked new Travelodge ‘in fury over unpaid wages’

More than £3,000 donated to pay potential legal fees of worker who destroyed hotel

Tom Barnes
Tuesday 22 January 2019 12:18 EST
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Man attacks new Liverpool hotel with digger on the day of completion

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Thousands of pounds have been raised for a digger driver who was filmed destroying the lobby of a new Travelodge in an apparent row over unpaid wages.

Police are hunting the construction worker after video footage of the incident, which shows the vehicle repeatedly being driven through the new hotel in Liverpool, was shared online.

Other builders said the driver, who was owed £600 for his work on the project, flew into a fit of rage over not receiving the money.

However, members of the public have now chosen to crowdfund for the man in a bid to cover what he is owed and any legal fees that may arise as a result of the damage.

More than 300 people have donated to the driver via GoFundMe, raising in excess of £3,000 in less than 24 hours.

“Many people in the building trade encounter similar situations week in week out and this guy has helped MANY tradesmen and workers to get paid on time and to stand up for themselves when its [sic] really needed,” the fundraising page said.

“Any money raised here is to be given to the driver to help him primarily with any legal fees and to help the driver cover any expenses which may have arisen.

“It’s amazing to see all the workmen, families and everyone helping chip together to support this guy after he really stood up for himself and his wages.”

Builders who were at the scene in Edge Lane said the Travelodge had been close to completion when the man drove the digger into the hotel.

“The handover was today, everything completed, we'd put the last tile in, cleaned up and made sure everything was perfect,“ ceiling fixer Samuel White, said.

“Then some idiot in a mini digger decided to drive through the middle of the building.

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“There were loads of workers outside all gobsmacked, jaws to the floor wondering what's going on. The site manager was running around like a headless chicken, he wasn't happy at all.”

The destruction is thought to have lasted for between 20 and 30 minutes before the man left the vehicle and ran way.

Several construction workers were inside the hotel at the time and Merseyside Police said one man was treated for eye irritation due to exposure to diesel, although no other injuries were reported.

Travelodge has declined to comment on the incident.

Additional reporting by PA

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