Portsmouth men arrested for coronavirus breaches after 'fight' on Isle of Wight

TWO men have been arrested for breaching coronavirus rules after a ‘fight’ on the Isle of Wight.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The men, who are from Portsmouth, were taken into custody over the weekend following an incident in Newport.

In a post on Facebook in the early hours of Sunday morning, Isle of Wight Police wrote: ‘Good evening, sorry the update is so late, it’s been a very busy night for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The majority of our night has been spent dealing with drunken disorder in Newport and Ryde.

Picture: PAPicture: PA
Picture: PA
Read More
Live travel updates as Met Office fog alert in force for Portsmouth area

‘We have had numerous public order incidents in Newport tonight. I have dealt with some drunken juveniles and also drunken adults who have no idea where they live .... and the late and night shifts have made several arrests around the public order issues in the town.

‘Two males from Portsmouth are currently in our custody following a fight in the town centre and several Covid breaches.

‘As I write this our custody centre is currently the busiest in Hampshire as we have individuals in for public order, Covid breaches, breaches of various court orders and domestic assault.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We appreciate everyone wants to enjoy the islands Tier One freedom but please be responsible if you are out.’

The arrests come after punters were warned from coming on ‘booze-cruises’ from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight last week.

The island is currently one of the few places in the country in tier one, which means people have the freedom to enjoy a pint in the pub with friends – in Portsmouth tier two rules mean that you cannot meet people outside your household bubble indoors.

Isle of Wight Council councillor Dave Stewart said: ‘Suggestions of so-called "booze cruises” visiting the Island are completely irresponsible and, I hope, ill-founded.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We are working hard with the police and the ferry companies to put out messages that such behaviour is totally irresponsible and we will be supporting local businesses in managing any groups in a Covid-secure way that arrive with this intent.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.