Multiple police units have rushed to the center of Newport’s shopping district after reports of a man dragging a woman out of a cafe this afternoon (Sunday).
5 police units rushed to the scene in Upper St James Street at just after 12:30, after a man entered a local cafe and began shouting at a female customer.
Eyewitnesses have told Island Echo that the man then proceeded to attack the woman – who was with her children at the time of the incident – and began attempting to drag her from the cafe.
It is understood that several members of the public began attempts to restrain the man and free his victim, while others called for emergency assistance.
Police arrived on scene and took over the restraint, with the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service being called to assist officers in providing care to the man, who is believed may have been suffering from a mental health episode.
At least 5 officers used control and restraint tactics to remove the male from the area before loading him on to an Ambulance stretcher so that paramedics could assess him.
The man has been taken to hospital by ambulance, and it’s thought several officers have travelled with the ambulance to ensure the safety of all parties.
It is not known whether the victim of the attack – who Island Echo understands to be unknown to the male – has suffered injuries.
Hampshire Constabulary has been approached for a statement.
UPDATE @ 14:52 – Police have confirmed that 1 male has been detained by officers under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act following the incident.
Island Echo can confirm that the man reportedly entered the cafe before attempting to ‘assist’ a child who he believed was being abducted by nearby adults – who were in fact its parents.
Cafe staff acted quickly to safeguard the child and their mother by moving them to a safe room within the cafe whilst the child’s father and another member of the public attempted to restrain the man, before he allegedly dragged them outside and pinned them against a wall.
The man is receiving care from appropriate professionals.
It’s understood no injuries have been sustained.
Hope this man gets the help he needs and isn’t let down by services on the island
Don’t know why he would be “let down by the services on the island” if he needs treatment he’ll get it, wether he’s on the island or on the mainland.
I’m never one to stick up for trouble makers or scummy types, but in this case it really does seem like the poor man needs help and was acting out of a genuine belief that the child was in danger. I too hope he gets the help he needs.
Real mental health issues or just pleading it….. Lock him up, chuck the key.
Educate yourself and who knows, you might even begin to understand
I hope the mother and child aren’t left traumatised by this event. The attacker sounds like he needs some serious professional intervention too.
I wonder if Tory cutbacks in mental health will have degraded the service in any way? We will soon see…
Sorry Ben I mean Colin
This man needs shipping off the island