Man detained after prank on Liz Truss at Beccles event, eyewitnesses say

Eyewitnesses say police detained a man following a prank that made Liz Truss leave the stage during a talk to promote her book.

The individual was held by officers outside Beccles Public Hall on Tuesday night after the event came to an abrupt halt when activists unfurled a banner depicting a lettuce and the words: “I crashed the economy”.

It is thought he was responsible for controlling the remote-controlled sign, which was unveiled behind Ms Truss while she was on stage being interviewed by the event host, Richard Melchior.

When the former South West Norfolk MP realised what was happening, she left the stage and the event came to a close.

An audience member, who did not wish to be named, said: “The man was detained outside after the event finished by two police officers, who were also surrounded by what appeared to be Ms Truss’ security detail.

“He appeared to be the instigator of the stunt.

“He was very calm and did not show any resistance. He seemed quite pleased with himself and was enjoying the moment.”

Suffolk Police has not been able to confirm any further details.

Ben Stewart, a member of Led By Donkeys, the activist group behind the stunt, said: “We just wanted to remind people, do not take this person seriously.

“She’s avidly supporting Trump, and actually she’s lending the weight of the office of British Prime Minister which she held, albeit for a short period of time, to the pro-Trump campaign.

“We thought, she’s aligning herself with the far right in America, and sometimes, not always, but sometimes, one of the best approaches to the far right is to laugh at them.

“And so we decided to install this strategically positioned remote control lettuce banner and press the button towards the end of last night’s event.”

The lettuce banner was not the only interruption at the event.

According to audience members, a heckler shouting from the lighting gantry called Ms Truss “a disgrace for crashing the economy”.

She “showed calm and resilience” following the outburst and continued with the event, according to one eyewitness.

Mr Melchior, the manager of Beccles Public Hall who hosted the evening, said: “The venue is aware of the incident.

“This incident was entirely organised by an outside group. The venue is currently assisting the Met Police and we are glad that nobody was injured during the event.”

The two incidents will prompt questions over the level of security at the event.

Ms Truss has denounced the incident.

The former PM, speaking on social media platform X, said: “What happened last night was not funny.

“Far-left activists disrupted the event, which then had to be stopped for security reasons.

“This is done to intimidate people and suppress free speech. I won’t stand for it. Would we see the same reaction if the activists were far-right?”

Suffolk Police and the Met Police have been approached for comment.