Police are investigating after a tractor drove through a flooded high street in Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire, triggering a wave of water that hit local businesses, smashing windows and knocking doors open.
West Mercia police said they were aware of videos on social media showing the tractor driving through the flood water on Sunday and that they were investigating.
“We’re actively investigating the incident and officers are in Tenbury Wells this morning speaking to people whose businesses and properties may have been affected, as well as reviewing additional video footage,” the force said. “No arrests have been made at this time.”
Video footage shows the large green tractor ploughing through the flood waters as onlookers gasp. People can be heard saying: “Oh my good God,” and: “You have not just done that, you idiot.”
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“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 got away with it but he came down, for whatever reason, at that speed.”
The locked front doors of the pub were pushed open and smashed, along with the windows next to it, with the wave of water knocking sandbags across the room.
“What happened yesterday – yes the floods are terrible, we are used to that, we prepare the best we can. But nothing could prepare you for what that person did with the tractor. It was totally unnecessary,” Birkin said.