Striking Sellafield nuclear workers hit by vehicle

Four people, including two teenagers, have been arrested after a vehicle hit two people at a picket line outside a nuclear facility.

A Polaris Ranger off-road vehicle struck the pair in the crash at the Calder Gate entrance to Sellafield in Cumbria shortly before 09:00 BST, with another vehicle also involved, police said.

A 55-year-old man was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital with serious injuries, while a man aged 39 who was less badly hurt also went to hospital.

The picket line was linked to four days of industrial action by construction staff employed by contractors at Sellafield, which the Unite union said centres on a dispute over pay and “the refusal to increase allowances”.

Cumbria Police said the four people arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent were local males and aged 16, 19, 50 and 52.

A police spokesperson said officers are “liaising with the organisers of the industrial action at this location to offer reassurance”.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham condemned what she described as an “unprovoked attack”.

“This incident will not deter our members in continuing with their lawful industrial action and the strikes will go ahead as planned,” she said.

Staff taking part in the strike include electricians, joiners, pipe-fitters, riggers, welders and groundworkers who are all employed by third-party contractors.

Sellafield Ltd previously said it did not directly employ those taking part in the action, but “safety and security” would continue to be its priority throughout the strike.