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Southern Water CEO Detained in Citizen’s Arrest at London Conference

The company has accepted responsibility for the Camber Sands bio‑bead spill, pledging to pay for cleanup.

Overview

  • Six women from the Citizen's Arrest Network surrounded Lawrence Gosden in the lobby of Convene, 133 Houndsditch, ahead of a Utility Week event.
  • Activists accused him of up to four counts of causing a public nuisance and handed police a dossier of alleged evidence.
  • City of London Police arrived within minutes, questioned Gosden, then released him, with activists saying an officer warned their action could be viewed as false imprisonment.
  • Southern Water says millions of bio‑beads reached the coast after a screening filter failed at its Eastbourne wastewater works, and it is working with partner agencies on the response.
  • MP Dr Kieran Mullan says Gosden has taken full responsibility and committed to covering clean‑up costs, with further compensation under consideration as the Environment Agency investigation continues.