Reason why tractor driver drove through Tenbury Wells flood water 'revealed'

A tractor driver who was arrested for travelling through flood water is said to have been rushing to get a worker back to their child, it is alleged. Business owners in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, condemned the actions of the man after a wave caused by the vehicle damaged multiple properties.

The motorist was branded an "industrial-strength idiot" after footage posted on social media went viral showing the tractor being driven down the street. Floodwater surged through the historic town on Sunday amid Storm Bert's devastation.

Police investigated the clip and arrested a 57-year-old man on Tuesday on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving. He has since been bailed, West Mercia Police said, and now a friend of the man has issued a statement.

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They said: "I have been asked to pass on a message of apology from the driver of the tractor. The tractor was being taken to an employee so he could use it to get through the rising floodwaters to collect his child."

The person added that the driver "drove faster than he should have" as he was in a hurry, The Mirror reports. They added hat he was sorry and upset at the damage and "has spoken with police and his insurance company and will do whatever is necessary to put things right."

Brumwish 2024 - buy a gift for a child in need

BrumWish 2024 is Birmingham Live's festive drive to get thousands of gifts to children and young people across our city - among them the homeless, the vulnerable, kids in care, kids who are poorly or struggling, and kids who have little.

There are THREE simple ways to help.

1. Buy a new gift from the Brumwish 2024 Amazon giftlist. In just a click your donation will be whizzing its way to our volunteers at Edgbaston Stadium.
2. Donate money to the appeal fund hosted by Thrive Together Birmingham - this will help pay for gifts for kids with specialist needs or specific wishes.
3. Buy a gift and, even better, rope in friends, neighbours and workmates to do the same, then drop off your pressies at Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, B5 7QU on Friday 6th December, 10am - 3pm; Saturday 7th December, 10am - 1pm; or Monday 9th December, 10am - 1pm. Volunteers will be there to help you. Please don't wrap your gifts. You can also drop off by arrangement until Monday 16th December - contact Louise on 07469 979286.

Thanks to our partnership with #Toys4Birmingham, every single gift will find a good home in the loving care of a child living in B&Bs or hotels, hostels or refuges, children receiving support from specialist organisations and charities, and families being supported by children's centres and charities around the city.

Making up the Brumwish and Toys4Birmingham gang are Thrive Together Birmingham, Birmingham Playcare Network, Warwickshire Cricket Foundation (the charitable arm of Warwickshire County Cricket Club), Birmingham Forward Steps and BirminghamLive/Birmingham Mail.

Thank you to Amazon UK and the amazing team at the Sutton Coldfield depot for their support.