UPDATED: Police have been involved in the search for a wanted man in Rookley this afternoon (Sunday) following an assault on a female member of staff at the village’s Co-Operative store.
Officers were last night called to the Co-Operative after a group of young males were suspected of shoplifting, but things took a more serious turn when a 53-year-old female member of staff was assaulted by one of them.
Several Police units descended on Rookley and Rookley Country Park but failed to find the suspect, however were called back to the area at around 14:00 this afternoon when the group returned to the store.
The specific wanted individual is said to have ran away when challenged by staff on duty today, prompting Police to conduct a search of the nearby Rookley Country Park, where it is believed the male is staying.
The assault victim spent the night in hospital having sustained soft tissue damage.
UPDATE MONDAY: Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed that 25-year-old Lewis Dewick, of no fixed abode, has been charged with assault by beating and theft.
He is due to appear at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court today.
