The 18 people, who are part of the Rising Tide (UK) Network were held for over 24 hours, and were only allowed to phone out after 11.00 am yesterday (Tuesday). The house of one of those involved was raided by 8 police officers who spent 3 hours searching their home.

It took the combined efforts of British Rail Police and South Wales Police over 8 hours to remove the last of the protesters at 8.10pm on Monday evening. The law under which they were charged was designed to protect the interests of rail owners has a maximum penalty of life.

However, a spokesperson for the 18 said:
“We would not anticipate facing any such penalty as we took great care to ensure the safety of all taking part and had made certain that the coal train would not leave the loading area before the line was blocked.”

“This was a carefully planned action: hence it's success. However, we admit that it was a drastic course of action but even this barely matches the climate crisis we will face if much more radical measures are not taken now.”

*All 18 have been bailed to appear at Merthyr Tydfill Magistrates Court on 10th May at 10.00 am.*