A man remains in serious condition in hospital after an off-road vehicle struck protesters outside a nuclear facility. The collision occurred near Sellafield as construction workers demonstrated over a pay dispute.
A Polaris Ranger collided with two people near one of the site's gates shortly before 9am on Wednesday morning. The incident involved striking construction workers who had gathered outside the Cumbria facility.
The more seriously injured victim, a 55-year-old man, was rushed to West Cumberland Hospital with serious injuries. A second man, aged 39, was also hospitalised but his injuries are not considered serious.
Four arrests made
Construction workers were taking part in strike action outside the site at the time in a dispute over pay. Police confirmed the overall incident involved two vehicles - the Polaris Ranger and an Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck.
Four males from the local area, aged between 16 and 52, have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. All four remain in custody as investigations continue.
Cumbria Constabulary sought to reassure the public following the incident. "Officers are aware the incident has caused concern in the community and are liaising with the organisers of the industrial action at this location to offer reassurance," police said in a statement. "There is no wider threat to the public."
Union condemns incident
Unite, which organised the picket, strongly condemned the vehicle collision. North West regional secretary Ritchie James described the incident as deeply disturbing for witnesses.
"The incident is both shocking and horrifying to all those who witnessed it," James said. "Unite is aware that four individuals have been arrested. Strike action will continue for the rest of the week as planned."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
