Three arrested after taxi driver attack and police to step up presencePOLICE investigating the vicious assault of taxi drivers at the weekend have arrested three people and pledged to step up policing in the town.
The attack in South Street, Newport, was filmed by a witness and the footage prompted an outcry on social media.
At least three firms have now said they will no longer use the taxi rank after midnight at weekends.
Police confirmed this afternoon they had arrested a 22-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman from Newport, and a man from Freshwater, aged 22, on suspicion of assault .
Head of Isle of Wight CID Detective Inspector John Stirling 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."
Supt 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 can contact Newport CID on 101 quoting 44160135589, or contact us via the website
http://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet ... ficer.htmlWitnesses can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously. Minicom users should call 01962 875000.
source:
http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/three-a ... 94589.aspx