A HEREFORDSHIRE tractor driver has been accused of causing flood defences to be breached after driving through a flooded village.

The allegations come after video of a tractor being driven through deep floods in nearby Tenbury Wells went viral.

Locals in the town said the driver's actions resulted in damage being caused to homes and businesses, with the driver later arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving.

Now, police have revealed, another tractor driver has come to their attention, this time in the Herefordshire village of Orleton, after they ignored road closure signs.

Police constable Adam Stobbart said several locals had reported a tractor driver ignoring a signed road closure and "blatantly driving through the flood water" in the village's Millbrook Way on November 24.

"This caused an unnecessary bow wave through the area, which did breach residents flood defences and caused upset and distress to households and the public onlookers," said PC Stobbart.

Video footage has now helped police confirm the identity of the driver, PC Stobbart said.

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He said the driver has been spoken to about the incident and "strong words of advice" have been given to them about their "error of judgement" and the consequences of driving through flood water. 

"The team has been in talks with the parish council over this matter and how to suitably conclude it," PC Stobbart said.

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"It is a timely reminder, that Orleton, like many communities, is seeking to prevent such incidents of this nature taking place.

"We must ensure that we give the community, the road signs and those members of the community working to protect their village and residents the respect it deserves.

"The police will work with their communities to address this type of behaviour and will take complaints seriously. Where the evidence allows, police will seek to prosecute drivers if they fail to comply with a lawful highway instruction or drive without due care and attention to other road users which can carry a fine and penalty points on your licence."