UPDATED: A 22-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman from Newport have been arrested on suspicion of assault alongside a 22-year-old man from Freshwater as Police investigate an assault on 3 taxi drivers during the early hours of Sunday morning.
As previously reported by Island Echo, 3 taxi drivers were attacked during the early hours of Sunday morning. After having something thrown at his car, one taxi driver got out of his vehicle to take a look before being verbally assaulted by a group. The situation escalated and ended with 3 taxi drivers being physically assaulted.
The incident had led to a number of independents and firms pulling out of Newport taxi ranks on a Friday and Saturday night.
Detective Inspector John Stirling has 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.
“I am advised that at the current time taxis will be available for those who book them rather than on the taxi rank itself 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”.
Anyone with information about the assault is asked to contact Newport CID on 101 quoting 44160135589. You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.
UPDATE FRIDAY – All 3 suspects – a 22-year-old man from Newport; a 24-year-old woman from Newport and a 22-year-old man from Freshwater – have been bailed until Wednesday 8th June pending further enquiries.
