Police confirm arrests have now been made in connection with the Newport taxi rank assaults. Ed
Detectives are investigating after three taxi drivers were assaulted by a group of youths in Newport, Isle of Wight.
The assault happened at around 2.30am on Sunday, April 10 at the taxi rank in South Street. One of the drivers had something thrown at his car and got out to have a look and the group began to be verbally aggressive.
The driver was then assaulted and two other drivers who were at the rank were also attacked.
Minor injuries, but badly shaken
The group are described as three females and two males. The taxi drivers all received minor injuries but were left badly shaken and shaken by what happened.
Detectives have since been interviewing the victims and carrying out enquiries and investigating the incident.
Three arrested
Two people from Newport, a man aged 22 and a woman aged 24, and one man from Freshwater aged 22, have all been arrested on suspicion of assault in relation to this investigation and are helping police with their enquiries.
Head of CID on the Island Detective Inspector, John Stirling said:
“This was a nasty attack on the taxi drivers and we won’t tolerate this sort of behaviour.
“I’d like to assure people we are thoroughly investigating this incident. We’d like to hear from anyone who saw it.
“We’re aware that there have been lots of comments on social media about what happened and that some phone video footage has been posted of it.
“We’d like whoever it was who recorded the incident on their phone to get in touch with us as it’s important evidence that could help make sure those responsible are brought to justice
“I’d also ask people to refrain from posting comments about the incident on social media at this stage but if people think they have important information it we’d like them to contact us direct so it can be properly assessed.”
Superintendent Sarah Jackson who is charge of policing on the Isle of Wight said:
“We are working closely with the taxi drivers and the licensing team at the council to address the safety concerns raised by drivers following this incident. We are planning to meet with them on Friday to discuss their concerns and answer any questions they may have. We will be increasing police presence in Newport on Friday and Saturday night.
“After the meeting on Friday we will review the position and ensure we let the public know the situation.
“The Community Safety Partnership have already set reducing violence as a priority for this year, and in particular Night Time Economy related violence. This will mean all the key partners will be looking at how we can address this issue.”
Get in touch
Anyone with information about the assault is asked to contact Newport CID on 101 quoting 44160135589, or contact us via the Website.
You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.
Minicom users should call 01962 875000.
