Probe as workmen felling trees ‘are poisoned by tea’

The workmen, from construction giant Amey, needed time off work to recover due to the severity of their symptoms. 

South Yorkshire Police yesterday said it was investigating “reports of three alleged assaults on three workers who were felling trees in Sheffield”. 

The trees at the centre of the alleged poisoning plot are being taken down as part of a £2.2billion Streets Ahead scheme which the council claims will improve roads and footpaths in the South Yorkshire city. 

Around 5,500 trees have been cut down since 2012 with a further 500 set for the chop.  

Officials say the trees – many of which are around 100 years old – are dead, diseased or are dying and are wrecking footpaths and roads. 

On Thursday, Amey revealed that work was being paused indefinitely “because of concerns over the safety of their staff”. 

It is believed that felling will now resume on Monday. 

There have been daily clashes between protesters and workmen at one site in the city – Meersbrook Park Road – for more than a week. 

A source, who did not want to be named, said: “I spoke to one worker who said he had a cup of tea during his shift, finished work but then became violently sick. 

“He took the next day off work and then discovered his two colleagues had similar symptoms. 

“The worker said they felt they had been given something because the symptoms were so similar and severe so they reported it to the police.” 

Yesterday residents on the road at the centre of the investigation laughed off accusations of poisoning.  

One woman, who has lived in the street for 60 years, said: “What a joke. 

“None of the protesters would make them a brew, so it would have to be someone who is supporting the council.  

“I can’t see anyone pretending to be on their side then slipping something into the tea.”  

But she did admit that the atmosphere had changed since Christmas, with confrontations becoming more heated and personal. 

She said: “The lads they had working here before Christmas seemed to respect us and what we were doing but this new lot are thuggish.” 

An Amey spokesman declined to comment.