A man seen carrying a machete on the streets of Ryde has prompted the deployment of Armed Police to the town this lunchtime (Saturday).
St Thomas’ Street has been closed to pedestrians and all traffic as armed officers take up position outside a residential address, where it is thought the suspect may be located.
It comes following an incident at The King Lud pub on the Esplanade at around 12:20. No injuries have been sustained.
Island Echo is told that a man was seen wandering about at the bottom of Union Street armed with a machete.
Armed Police from the mainland were hurried across the Solent to Ryde Pier Head at 13:00 and conducted a quick sweep of the Wightlink terminal before relocating to the Esplanade.
UPDATE @ 13:45 – The incident continues as the afternoon progresses, although Police have now left the scene at St Thomas’ Street.
It’s understood Armed Police are hunting down the male at the centre of the alert and enquiries have led officers to Binstead Road, Binstead.
UPDATE @ 14:35 – It’s understood the incident has now been stood down, with Armed Police returning to the mainland.
It’s unclear if an arrest has been made.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has been approached for a statement.
UPDATE @ 15:30 – Police have confirmed 2 arrests have been made following this incident.
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said:
“We were called at 12:10 today, (30th September), to reports of a man armed with a machete at the King Lud, Ryde Esplanade.
“Due to the nature of the call, armed response officers were deployed.
“The man had left the location prior to officer arrival, but was located at an address on St Thomas Street.
“A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody at this time.
“A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray. He remains in custody at this time
“We would like to reassure the public that no person was injured during this incident.”
well it is Ryde and he is probably a islander. just anther day on the sunny isle of Wight
Your such a wind up merchant every criminal is a islander according to you if you don’t like the island why comment and disappear somewhere
Well bob one, how surprising for you to put comments in glee as to the negative aspects of the Island, can’t disagree with the fact the Island has a problem, ( Just like the mainland ) sad for you that you must constantly jump at the chance to comment negatively at every opportunity, you clearly have a problem of some sort, that shows itself in this manner.
Perhaps you should seek some form of assistance that could assist you with issues you clearly have.
This Island has some very positive points that attract many people here with reference to tourism and people choosing to live here. There is a percentage of our population with criminal intent/drug issues and indeed driving just like the UK in general.
Please seek the help you need.
there are a lot of incidents in Ryde yes but it’s more likely over the years a load of wasters have been dumped in the centre of the town.
Of course you’d sit behind a computer screen and type all that. Nothing but a chicken pansy coward who probably still lives with his mummy and can’t count up to three without busting a cranial artery.
Sad place Bob one, sad sad place
So glad we moved off the Island, its gone downhill fast!
You moved, hope you have everything you wanted from your move. Now kindly having made your choice, keep your comments to yourself as they have no positive motive, and cut your final hold on the Island with no helpful construction.
Goodbye.
Calm down grandad who’s rattle your cage
Judging by your comment, you have nothing to add boy.
Why are all kevs on IE noobs
Yes Kev, retired in the sun thanks before my 50th birthday. Thing is Kev, from my sunny deck chair I can say what I want, and I won’t be silenced by the likes of you. So enjoy the s**t tip the Island has become
You can say what you like within reason, however, you say so much about yourself with your comments, the sad part is you cannot see how you make yourself look. That is your real problem.
You escaped the Island, escaping your own mentality is going to be far harder.
Not at all Kev, we’re actually living life rather than existing like you! All the best, btw, how’s your electricity prices
We think it’s bad here (and it is getting worse) but it’s still far better than most areas of the mainland.
And we feel much better for your move off..
Yes it would be good to know how -as you are not here, PS – you know we are going downhill. National media coverage or intensive research, perchance, or do you have a detailed statistical breakdown of all crimes and deleterious activity here and on the mainland to make comparisons? Thought not. But I would have a few bob that any deterioration in the fabric of social cohesion and behaviour will be reflected wherever you are on the mainland as well as this rough diamond of an Island.
i hope that comment , has made you feel so much better. what a pointless comment
So glad you woke up Positive Vibes. I been there twice once for a construction site and second for a family holiday. Oh my god even my kids said they feel for kids there. And looking at there capital lol dirty place
More dragged up socialist will be along soon….
So far 12 dragged up socialists have been offended, burst into tears and now need a safe space due to your hurtful comment.
Kindly cancel yourself, apologise for your white privilege, and tattoo a rainbow flag on your forehead to make amends.
No person was injured during the incident. Will they get injured at the police station?
Not exactly the much maligned youth of The Island either at 44 and 50+fine example of manhood for young minds the mindless numbty’s.
Fact is you lot, an idiot thought it was perfectly acceptable to walk around on a Saturday afternoon in broad daylight carrying a machete with the aim of sustaining harm!!
That is not normal!! By any far fetched Isle of Wight misloyalty to scum bags like him.
It has got much worse in not only ryde but sandown and Ventnor as well. I think ‘people’ as you say, are dumped here by other boroughs they’ve been kicked out of and we have to suffer the consequences.
We also have a lot of bored, angry youths growing up here terrorising our quiet small towns.
You can say what you want it doesn’t alter the fact.
It’s ridiculous waiting for armed response from the mainland!? Given the ferry situation we’re put in jeopardy before we begin
The island is riddled with drug dealers, drug addiction, why because there is no prospects. Drugs lead to these actions. What we need is to crack down on drug dealers, get rid off the source, watch the crime rate fall.
Well what a nice place to go for a short break.
You got a drink driver in the council office, you got police beating up general public, more drug driving and drink driving, and now this. Never mind you have to live with it or do something about it
By the time armed police come over from the mainland a lot can happen
Well done Sherlock
What an unnesseccary cost due to 1 person commiting an offence.
No wonder Plod keep wanting money from our Council taxes ever year,
What a wonderfull dump ryde has become..