Reports of a young male being stabbed several times prompted a large scale search to be launched in Ryde on Christmas Day – but no victims or other witnesses have been located, Police have confirmed.
The National Police Air Service helicopter was drafted in by Hampshire Constabulary after concerning reports were received that an individual may have been the victim of a serious assault. The helicopter activity sparked interest among Ryde residents, many of whom were still awake enjoying the festivities.
It is reported to Island Echo (and the Police) that at around 23:00 a group of youngsters witnessed a male being stabbed several times with a large ‘sword’. 3 individuals are said to have fled the scene in a Mondeo-style vehicle.
The incident is alleged to have happened in the area of North Walk and Appley Lane at Ryde Esplanade.
Police descended on the seafront in a bid to locate the potentially fatally injured person. However, after a thorough search both on the ground and in the air, no victims or witnesses were found.
The incident – which has cost the taxpayer thousands – is still being investigated by Police.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has told Island Echo:
“We received a report just after 11pm on December 25 of an assault on Appley Lane, Ryde. When officers attended the scene, no victims were located and no witnesses could confirm the reports.
Article continues below this advertisement “A search of the area was carried out and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious in the area can call 101, quoting 44190462222”.
Have they checked the woods for a body? Dogs could sniff it out, if we still have such within the Police as cut backs may mean they can’t afford a tin of Chum.
Sounds like a hoax call to me. Shame they can’t trace the number.
Wouldn’t there be blood from that alleged incident meaning a dna test could be carried out?
Are they the same hoaxers who reported screams on the beach before Christmas.
Don’t the police control room staff record phone numbers anymore?
Data protection, can’t keep info on peeps.