 Parson and Peto decided to occupy the tunnel works and seize Marchant's plant by force, and went there with a gang of workmen.Brunel became involved and he too tried to seize Marchant's equipment, but a magistrate had been called and the Riot Act was read.In the small hours of 23 July 1851 a large force was mustered by Brunel in the absence of the magistrates and a violent skirmish took place, during which Marchant and his men were routed.