Wednesday 27 November 2013

WOOLWICH: "HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA?" - WHEELCHAIR-BOUND LADY GIVE POLICE TOUGH TIME by Benson Agoha


* Ambulance.

The above titled reminiscing Andrew Lloyd Webber's 2006 famous stage production may sound confusing for this story, but that was exactly what teams of Police officers and Medics would have thouth when they got stuck with a wheelchair-bound, lady called Maria, yesterday evening.

The incident happened during the rush hour in front of the DLR station Woolwich, when a team of Police Officers tried in vain to persuade Maria to accept assistance from Medics and with them to either hospital or to her home. She refused.

No one could tell Woolwich Online exactly how she arrived there.

One observer told us, she was seen sitting on her wheelchair as passengers poured out of the DLR, apparently causing some disruptions. So someone, maybe the Police officers offered to help, and called the ambulance services.

But when Medics arrived, Maria refused to get on the van, claiming her wheelchair would not fit in. Medics said it would and, with Police officers present, started a prolonged negotiation to persuade her.

Medics promised her that the van was adjustable and would take her wheelchair, Maria refused and became agressive to the team.

A member of the ambulance team scrambled around to their vehicle to her superiors to find a way to sort it, still Maria would not buldge and not even the presence of a senior police officer who took over the negotiation would help.

* DLR Station, Woolwich: Scene of long face-off between a team of Police Officers, Medics and Maria.

As the Officer got on the radio to speak to security, Maria threatened to wheel back into the station area, claiming to be cold, but would not get on the heated ambulance van. Officer's restrained her wheelchair and became suspicious. We heard someone say "she is lying."

Then Maria spotted out reporter, she went livid - "What are you fucking doing writing down stuff on your paper? Won't fucking get out from there?" she said. Police ignored her and said we could write.

Still, Maria refused and was gang-lifted off her chair and placed on the first chair from the ambulance. That one too was changed and another high bed was brought out and she was lain and strapped on to the bed, then wheeled into the van.

Not taking any chances, Officers poured into the ambulance to stay with her and the medics till a new Police van arrived to accompany the ambulance carrying her, sandwitched between the Van and a Police car to the hospital.

As the three vehicle convoy drove out to the hospital at about 8.02pm, an on-looker said "Good job guys, good job!"

It was too late for both officers and the medics to hear him, as they u-turned and their convoy joined the slow-moving traffic.

Were at the DLR station Woolwich during the rush hour on Tuesday evening and did you witness the incident or know anything about how the lady on the wheelchair got there?

If you did, please write in and tell us about your experience.

* Twitter: @bensonagoha.

* Twitter: @woolwichonline.

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Individual wishing to contact Woolwich Onlind should please send email to: onlinewoolwich@yahoo.co.uk or call our mobile phone: 0744 228 9202.

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