OAP demo that ended in terror
THIS is the moment a 65-year- old grandfather is pounced on by police, bent double and his arms twisted behind his back at a peaceful demonstration by the elderly and disabled.
Tony Nuttall’s arrest at a protest against travel pass cuts was described as disgusting by campaigners last night as police chiefs said they were investigating the incident.
The former NHS manager was among dozens of campaigners – some in wheelchairs or using walking sticks – who had gathered at Sheffield railway station to demand the return of free travel on public transport in South Yorkshire, which was axed in March.
As police moved in, a man who collapsed with breathing problems and a blind woman ‘pushed over a wheelchair’ were taken to hospital.
A local journalist was allegedly threatened with arrest under the Terrorism Act because he did not have permission to film at the station.
British Transport Police were videoed as they ‘ j umped’ Mr Nuttall. A shocked woman bystander shouted: ‘‘What are you doing? He’s an old man, leave him alone.’
Protester George Arthur, 64, was charged with fare evasion after allegedly travelling by train to the protest on Monday without a ticket. He and Mr Nuttall, both of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, were charged with obstructing a police officer and will appear in court next month.
Mr Nuttall said he was ‘jumped from behind’ by officers when he ‘tried to link arms’ with Mr Arthur. He added: ‘It was extremely uncomfortable and absolutely not necessary.’
A police spokesman said ‘ a number of incidents’ were being investigated.