‘Freedom Ride’ protest over travel cuts ends in arrests
Two men, aged 65 and 64, were handcuffed, arrested and bundled away by British Transport Police officers following a “freedom ride” to Sheffield Railway Station.
Protesters were at the station after travelling without paying from Meadowhall to the city centre.
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Hide AdThe group, a mix of elderly and disabled people, were campaigning against cuts to travel passes throughout South Yorkshire.
Two men have since been charged with failure to pay, and obstructing police.
The arrests have been criticised by members of the Sheffield Disabled People Against The Cuts and Barnsley Retirees Action Group.
A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “We were called upon to assist rail staff dealing with issues relating to an ongoing protest.
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Hide Ad“As a result two people were arrested - on suspicion of travel fraud and obstructing a police officer - and the investigation into these alleged offences is ongoing.
“A number of separate incidents arising from these arrests, and involving police, have been brought to our attention. We are in the process of fully investigating these and will speak to all those involved.
“Clearly, we are still in the very early stages of all investigations and it would be inappropriate to comment further until we have been able to speak to all parties and clearly establish the facts.”