Residents cleared of ‘poisoned tea plot’

Residents have been cleared of an alleged “poisoned tea plot” after suspicions were aroused when workmen involved in controversial tree-felling became ill.

Detectives investigated complaints that three workers fell violently sick in October at the height of protests into the felling programme in Sheffield, South Yorks, after they claimed they accepted drinks from locals.

Two of those cleared of any wrongdoing include safety officer Dr John Unwin, 60, and his architect wife Sue, 59, who served up two cups of tea and an orange squash to the tree surgeons. They denied any wrongdoing.