A 24-tonne bulldozer was filmed ploughing through a Royal Mail lorry in dramatic scenes that unfolded in Wolverhampton city centre on Saturday evening.
The stolen earthmover caused chaos as it rampaged through the West Midlands, damaging road surfaces and street furniture along a route that stretched from Wolverhampton city centre through Bridgnorth Road, Compton Road West, and onto the A4150 dual carriageway before finally coming to a stop on New Road, Willenhall, at around 8.15pm.
Police received calls from the public shortly before 6pm and rushed to intercept the runaway construction vehicle as it tore through multiple roads over a two-and-a-half-hour rampage.
Police Commandeer Royal Mail Lorry in Desperate Bid to Block Path
Bystanders reported seeing police officers commandeer the Royal Mail lorry in an improvised attempt to block the bulldozer’s path on Willenhall Road.
Charlene Harris, 47, who filmed the incident after rushing out of The Merry Boys Inn pub, described the scene: “When we came out, it looked like the police were stopping the Royal Mail van, but then we realised a copper was driving it. It was being used to block the road.”
She continued: “The police were shouting at everyone to keep away – and then we got word that a bulldozer was coming down from Willenhall. The bulldozer got through the lorry easily. We couldn’t believe what was going on. The amount of police trying to stop it was unbelievable.”
Footage shows crowds gathering and shouting about a “stolen bulldozer” as the massive earthmover rams the lorry out of the way, forcing it into railings before continuing its destructive journey down the road.
Man Arrested on Multiple Charges
A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving, dangerous driving, threat to damage or destroy property, theft, failing to stop, taking a conveyance (not a motor vehicle) without consent, and using threatening, abusive or insulting words and behaviour to cause harassment.
He remained in custody on Sunday.
West Midlands Police has not confirmed whether its officers commandeered the Royal Mail vehicle, whilst Royal Mail has been approached for comment.
Watch the Shocking Footage
The video below, captured by Birmingham Live, shows the dramatic moment the stolen bulldozer ploughs through the Royal Mail lorry that police had positioned to block its path.
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