The digger driver who got his vehicle stuck in the mud off Landguard beach has been sacked after refusing to take a drug test following the incident, it has been claimed.

An investigation is being launched into the events leading up to the Tru-Plant digger getting stuck and subsequently submerged by the sea next to the Port Of Felixstowe docks and close to the Landguard viewing point.

A contractor, who we have agreed not to identify, who saw the incident has confirmed to Nub News how the driver was asked to undergo a routine drugs test after he got back on land.

He refused to take the test and was summarily dismissed by his employer.

The digger driver was working for Tru-Plant Plant, which is part of the Tru7 group, near the port at the time of the incident and the contractor is undertaking an investigation into the circumstances.

Although he was not a employee, the port's safety team attended the incident to support the contractor and ensure there were no dangers to the public.

There were fears that diesel or hydraulic oil would seep from the machine, but that proved to be unfounded.

The Port of Felixstowe also liaised with Harwich Haven Authority over precautionary measures to ensure there was no pollution and informed the Marine Management Organisation.

A Port of Felixstowe spokesman told Nub News: "We cannot comment on the circumstances leading to the incident before we have seen the report, although we are relieved that no one was injured and there was no pollution as a result of the incident."

Tru-Plant, owned by Guy Nicholls, were approached for comment on Friday but have not responded.

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