Journalist confronted by armed police while covering HS2 select committee visit to Bucks

A radio reporter had a brush with the law yesterday (Thursday) while covering the HS2’s select committee visit to the Vale.
BBC Three Counties Radio's political reporter Paul ScoinsBBC Three Counties Radio's political reporter Paul Scoins
BBC Three Counties Radio's political reporter Paul Scoins

Paul Scoins, political reporter at BBC Three Counties Radio, was following the committee around the county as they learnt more about the proposed scheme’s impact on the area.

Mr Scoins came into difficulty when attempting to set up his equipment near Coombe Hill.

He wrote on the BBC website: “Rushing around the Chiltern Hills last night trying to find a clear view of the sky to link up with the satellite, I found a quiet country lane just around the corner from Coombe Hill to talk about the visit of the HS2 select committee.

The HS2 select committee visits Coombe Hill to see where the route will cut through the ValeThe HS2 select committee visits Coombe Hill to see where the route will cut through the Vale
The HS2 select committee visits Coombe Hill to see where the route will cut through the Vale

“After my broadcast, I noticed two police officers pull up in an unmarked car and walk towards me. They were armed.

“They asked me what I was doing, and explained they’d seen me on the cameras.

“‘Cameras?’, I said, ‘In the countryside?’

“They pointed to a hedge and a huge set of CCTV cameras were pointing straight at me.

“Turns out I’d strayed onto the edge of Chequers, the Prime Ministers’ country retreat.

“I made my excuses and quickly left sheepishly.”

The select committee visited the county to find out how phase one of the £50 billion pound high-speed rail link will impact on residents and businesses.

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