Journalist Assaulted During Aerial photography in Watford Business Park, Greenhill Crescent, Watford.
On Monday 29th July, a photojournalist embarked on an aerial photography assignment to capture great new photos for an article. Little did he know that this assignment would take a dark violent turn, leaving him hospitalized and our team in shock.
The Incident
While he manoeuvred his 249g drone to capture breathtaking images for an article on the £25 million Watford Business Park, he was attacked by two thugs from Hyundai Endeavour Automotive in Greenhill Crescent, Watford.
A male staff member was agitated about footage of him outside a premises which is in public view.
At 6:30pm one of the sales staff grabbed him as as attempted to take the remote controller, leaving marks on his arms. As he walked away the victim managed to take a video.
A minute later both male staff members charged towards him, their intentions were hostile, and assaulted him. The victim was shoved to the ground and then punched and kicked.
The victim sustained injuries to his back, grazed cut elbow, stomach and head. In a shocking act, they then took his drone equipment which appears to have been their goal.
The victim phoned the police to report the assault and theft. When police arrived the staff returned the drone but they had removed the memory card containing valuable photographs, as well as potential assaults, and possibly they had something else to hide.
Hospitalisation
The severity of the assault required an overnight hospital stay for our resilient journalist. The incident is now under investigation as a case of grievous bodily harm (GBH). He is back home recovering from wounds.
Yvette Cooper says “This is not acceptable on our streets and they will pay the price for their violence & thuggery.”
A witness said “I saw the two men charging towards the victim, it was scary”
A man who worked at Renault looked shocked at what had just happened.
There is footage of the two perpetrators which is not being released at this early stage, including the name of the business.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) takes drone safety seriously. Interrupting a drone pilot could be considered reckless endangerment, punishable by fines or even imprisonment.
A drone pilot must keep visual line of sight with the drone, but the assailant prevented this.
He has been flying drones for 7 years and has completed training as required.
Company Response
Head office replied “Our organisation takes this matter seriously and has requested an urgent review from the franchise. But the franchise is avoiding calls.
Witness appeal
We know their were workers who witnessed the attack. Please if you have video, CCTV or dashcam contact 101 quoting Crime reference 41/64095/24, or online.
