Eight female activists claim to have attempted a citizen’s arrest on Anglian Water’s chief executive at a railway station in south London.
British Transport Police were called when the group surrounded Mark Thurston, who earns a reported £720,000 salary, at Coulston South around 7am on Wednesday.
They held hands in a circle to prevent him from leaving the scene while one woman read Mr Thurston “charges” they accuse Anglian Water of including environmental damage from illegal sewage spills.
Anglian is one of five water firms given approval by the Competition and Markets Authority to land customers with inflation-busting bills from 2025-30.
In a filmed confrontation, Citizen’s Arrest Network spokeswoman Isobel Rock said: “I’m here to hold Mark Thurston to account for the crimes Anglian Water is committing everyday against our environment and pockets.
“These water companies are ignoring environmental protections and are focused on shareholder profit making over public safety or keeping bills affordable.
“Our water is being polluted by these companies every day and continues to be, despite public uproar. And now our bills are set to increase once again, passing the buck back on to customers.”
BTP said: “Officers were called to Coulsdon South railway station at around 7am today (October 15) following reports that a man wasn’t being allowed to travel by members of the public.
“Officers attended and the members of the public dispersed.”
Anglian Water has been approached for comment.
