In a scene more reminiscent of a comedy film than real life, two men were apprehended by police after commandeering a scissor lift for a leisurely joyride through the heart of London.
The unusual incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning when the pair decided to take the industrial vehicle on an unauthorised tour of the city centre. Travelling at a maximum speed of just 6mph, their progress was anything but swift, yet still managed to cause significant disruption.
The Slow-Speed Pursuit
Metropolitan Police officers responded to reports of the unconventional vehicle being operated on public roads near Liverpool Street station. The men, elevated several feet in the air in the lift's platform, continued their journey despite police presence.
Eyewitnesses described the surreal sight of the bright yellow construction equipment moving sedately through normally busy streets, with police vehicles following at a similarly slow pace.
City Centre Disruption
The incident caused particular problems around the junction of Camomile Street and Wormwood Street, areas typically bustling with financial district traffic during business hours. Fortunately, the timing meant fewer vehicles and pedestrians were present to be affected.
"It's not every day you see a scissor lift being driven down the road like a car," one local business owner remarked. "They seemed to be taking it quite seriously, despite how ridiculous the whole situation appeared."
Police Intervention and Arrests
After monitoring the situation and ensuring public safety, officers eventually brought the impromptu joyride to a halt. The two men were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the scissor lift had been seized as evidence and that investigations are ongoing to determine how the men gained access to the equipment and what motivated their unusual choice of transport.
The incident serves as a reminder that even at 6mph, taking construction equipment for an unauthorised city tour can lead to serious legal consequences.
