Police were called to the Bristol depot of a national windows company after a disgruntled sub-contractor blocked the entrance in a dispute over late payments.
One man was arrested by police after an allegation of assault was made and police confirmed they were called to the depot of Anglian Home Improvements twice in the same morning last week.
The arrested man, one of those protesting about not being paid for completed work, was later released under investigation pending further inquiries by police.
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The incident began at around 7am on Wednesday, May 17, at the Avonmouth depot of Anglian in Third Way, when the owners of a sub-contracting firm, MG Glazing, parked their van across the entrance to the depot, and then set up garden chairs on the verge to await company representatives to hear their complaints.
There were claims that a driver from Anglian used their company van to shunt the blockading van out of the way, and the police were called at just after 7am, but advised bosses at Anglian that, because the van blocking their entrance was on private property, it was a civil matter.
The blockade continued and tempers frayed more, and police officers were called back just before 9.30am amid allegations that an assault had taken place, and counter-allegations that other injuries occurred.
One man was arrested and taken to Patchway police station, where he was released on bail pending further inquiries.
A spokesperson for Anglian Home Improvements said the company was ‘disappointed’ in the early morning incident, which happened last Wednesday, May 17.
“We are disappointed by the incident that took place at Anglian Home Improvements depot at Third Way, Avonmouth,” the company spokesperson said.
“Anglian Home Improvements is committed to being a safe and inclusive workplace for all and asked for the police to attend our site yesterday. We are working with the police to assess and deal with the situation. In the meantime, we would like to offer our sincerest apologies to all of those affected or upset by the events,” the spokesperson added. Bristol Live asked Anglian about the allegations of non-payment of sub-contractors, but Anglian declined to respond.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police confirmed that an arrest had been made. “We were called to attend a business premises in Third Way, Avonmouth, at just after 7am on Wednesday, May 17, following a report of a dispute, which involved a vehicle blocking an entranceway,” she said.
“Officers attended and due to the vehicle being on private property, words of advice were given. Following a further call, officers re-attended and at just before 9.30am, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage and a public order offence. He has since been released on bail and enquiries are ongoing,” she added.
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