Machibet AffiliateHS2 bailiffs warn eco-activists 'get out now' as heavy rain threatens tunnel collapse outside Euston station | The Sun - Machibet777 APP

HS2 bailiffs have warned eco-activists to "get out now" as heavy rain threatens to collapse their tunnel next to London's Euston station.

Footage posted on Twitter showed a protester remonstrating with an eviction team appearing to dig their way into the mob's subterranean base.

Video showed an HS2 protester at Euston remonstrating with a worker who is digging into the tunnelCredit: Twitter

The eco-activist asks if they are digging a 'parallel tunnel'Credit: Twitter

The activists claim there have been five collapses inside their tunnel network, with dirt caving in on protesters burrowed underground at Euston Gardens.

But HS2 insist the holed-up group are putting themselves in danger with their "poorly constructed" tunnel, with fears fresh downpours could weaken the tunnel further,

The high-speed railway firm said the eviction was being led by "highly experienced and specialist skilled professionals".

In a video shared on social media, one of the bailiff's team appears to have dug a hole that allows them to communicate with the activists.

'DANGEROUS PRACTICES'

A protester is heard asking one tunnel expert if they are building a "parallel tunnel", adding "that sounds very risk for health and safety".

The worker replied: "I didn't realise you had a tunnelling qualification to your name.

"I have and I know exactly what I'm doing."

But the protester insists "since you've started digging the ceilings are starting to go" before accusing them of "engaging in dangerous practices."

The tunnel chaos comes as it was revealed last night that HS2 Ltd chairman Allan Cook has resigned.

He will leave his role in July, HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson announced.

Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the group: "This is now way to protest."

Earlier, an HS2 protester urged supporters to "keep this growing" after spending six days in an underground tunnel network - despite fears the structure could collapse.

Dr Larch Maxey yesterday morning urged supporters to 'keep this growing' as he spoke from inside the tunnel networkCredit: Twitter

The eco-warrior is one of many living below London's Euston Square

Dr Larch Maxey, 48, is one of several eco-activists living below London's Euston Square after they were evicted from their protest camp above ground on Wednesday.

Some activists have said water is pouring into the tunnel, making it increasingly unstable - and believe they could be in danger as bailiffs try to turf them out.

Officials at HS2 have also urged the campaigners to come out amid fears carbon dioxide could suffocate them.

But Dr Maxey insisted conditions underground were "not too bad" as he urged supporters to "keep this building" and thanked the “hundreds of people behind the scenes helping”.

Speaking from inside the tunnel yesterday morning, Dr Maxey said: "It’s day six in the Big Tunnel household and I would like to give a massive thanks to everyone who has helped us."

The eco-warrior stressed "this is a vital time" as he pleaded with supporters "please let’s keep this building, keep this growing".

He said: "It's a climate and ecological emergency.

"It’s the biggest threat humanity has ever faced - even the US president is now talking about that. So we need everyone to step up."

Maxey added that "cancelling this eviction, cancelling HS2 has to be the start of really addressing the climate and ecological emergency".

"So please everyone, carry on the support, carry on the action - let’s do this.”

Enforcement officers continue efforts to remove protesters from undergroundCredit: PA:Press Association

Bailiffs evicted activists from their camp on Wednesday, with the remnants seen in Euston Square GardensCredit: London News Pictures

A spokesman for HS2 Rebellion, an alliance of groups and individuals campaigning against the planned high speed railway, confirmed there were a total of nine activists in the tunnels.

And Dr Maxey yesterday told the PA news agency that spirits were "really good" underground.

"Conditions are good," he said.

"They are warm. They are a bit moist, there's a little bit of water coming in, but it's not too bad."

The ex geography lecturer and post doctoral researcher has claimed ongoing efforts to evict the group from the site were "unlawful" and although the tunnels were "safe" some changes by bailiffs "increases the risk to us".

He said: "It's an unlawful eviction and it's being carried out in an unlawful way because they are not following safety protocols and the due process, making sure it's safe for everyone."

The activist also alleged that protesters have been denied "all food and water" but still had supplies to last them "months".

"We've certainly been denied all food and water and often have not been able to pass on our waste either," Dr Maxey said.

But HS2 officials have said the Health and Safety Executive has reviewed operations to safely remove the activists and made "no immediate observations as to improvements we need to make".

They said they "continue to plan and work to safely remove the activists."

FATHER-SON TEAM

One of the campaigners holed up below ground with Maxey is 16-year-old Rory Hooper, son of veteran eco-activist Swampy who is also in the tunnel.

Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell told the Sun that Swampy was "reckless and irresponsible" for allowing his son in the tunnels.

But a statement shared by HS2 Rebellion on Monday hit back at Mr Mitchell for "cynically" criticising a "brave father-son team".

Rory described life underground as "more fun than I thought" and "really peaceful".

He told the he is in regular contact with his "really proud" mum, adding: "She tells me on the phone and I can feel it. She likes me to ring her every day. I know she worries about me but also she knows that I am safe with Dad."

Many above ground, however, continue to fear for the safety of campaigners.

One man, who gave his name as Dan, said over the weekend: "We're very concerned about the people inside the tunnels.

"It's reaching a tipping point where we don't know how long they are going to be able to continue.

"We don't know how many are inside. We're trying to fetch them power bars, water and nuts to make it through this.

"Lives are at risk.

"We need to make sure that the people inside the tunnels are safe by any means necessary."

'DANGEROUS'

In a video, protesters in the tunnel said measures taken by protesters to drain off rainwater have been removed, causing "liquified sand" to flow into the tunnel.

"It's quite dangerous," they said.

"We've been asking for a couple of days for buckets to remove it, and today it accelerated significantly and there's quite a danger, so we're concerned about our safety."

Protesters who crawled into the tunnels in the early hours of Wednesday morning say they have suffered five tunnel collapses in 24 hours and that "liquid mud" is pouring in.

But Swampy, 47, - real name Daniel Hooper - said he would die if necessary.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun last week, Swampy said: "We'll keep on digging. I'm prepared to put my life on the line if need be.

"As far as I'm concerned these tunnels are safe but we're prepared to last this out for as long as it takes.

"We're in a climate emergency and the Government is pressing ahead with the HS2 project that will deforest large areas. It's madness."

At the weekend, HS2 Ltd warned activists "they are putting themselves in even greater danger" by not leaving amid worsening weather conditions.

They said: "We are concerned that the occupants of the tunnel are now impeding efforts to help them, shutting themselves off underground, and preventing us from checking air quality as we supply them with air.