A LONDON law firm is acting on behalf of a Colombian tribe in an attempt to block the takeover of Amerisur Resources by a larger energy firm.

Leigh Day, which is representing members of a tribe who live by Colombia's Putumayo river, has tried to secure an injunction against Geopark's £240m acquisition of Amerisur, which is expected to complete next week.

The legal challenge comes after allegations that Amerisur polluted the local water supply, which had a knock-on effect on the tribe's health. Sky News, which broke the story, reported that a court hearing had been scheduled for later this week.

Aim-listed Amerisur has denied the allegations, which were first reported last year. Members of the tribe complained that they had endured severe physical illnesses after wastewater was pumped straight into the river.

Amerisur made no mention of the legal action in a statement on the sale to the London Stock Exchange yesterday.

(c) 2020 City A.M., source Newspaper