Travelodge digger crash: Man arrested over hotel damage

A man has been arrested after a digger ploughed through the doors of a new hotel and smashed into the building.

The destruction happened at the Travelodge in Liverpool's Innovation Park in January amid a pay dispute.

A 35-year-old from Netherton has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage with intent to endanger life, Merseyside Police said.

He has also been arrested on suspicion of assault in relation to a separate incident in Broadgreen.

The digger crashed through the reception desk and windows at the hotel, causing extensive damage on 21 January.

Ceiling fixer Samuel White, 24, witnessed it and said the driver had claimed to be owed about £600.

He said the destruction went on for "a good 20 or 30 minutes" and had left workers "gobsmacked".

The scene of destruction that was left inside the Travelodge after a digger was driven into the lobby

Building firm Triton Construction said there had been no structural damage to the hotel.

A firm spokesman said the driver had been employed by a sub-contractor and had become "increasingly frustrated" when he couldn't find the owner "[so] took it upon himself to drive a small mini excavator through the front entrance screen of the hotel".

Paramedics treated a man for eye irritation caused by exposure to diesel, police said at the time.