Gazette THE ISLE OF WIGHT
THE ISLAND PEOPLE’S PAPER
BIKER SERIOUS AFTER ROAD COLLISION See page 5
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RESCUE HELICOPTER ON MERCY DASH
BRITAINS MOST WANTED IN ARREST DRAMA
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The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
RESCUE HELICOPTER CALLED IN TO SAVE SICK CHILD
A four-year-old girl is fighting for her life after falling from a kitchen table causing serious brain damage, “The Gazette” can reveal. The incident happened on yesterday afternoon January, 21 at the toddler’s home on the island. The young girl was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital with serious head injuries.
Senior Doctors at the hospital called on the Coastguard rescue helicopter “Rescue 104” based at Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire to carry out a life saving journey after the child’s condition worsened. Shortly after 10.30 this evening, the child was transferred under blue light ambulance to the landing site at Sea
Close Park in Newport, to be flown on a eight minute life saving journey to Southampton General Hospital. Isle of Wight Fire crews on standby at the landing site from Newport fire station helped load the child who was rigged up to a life support machine, into the waiting helicopter. A hospital spokeswoman said: “ The
four year female is very sick and needs life saving treatment from the specialist hospital on the mainland (Southampton General). A specialist nurse also travelled with the sick child in the rescue helicopter.
WANTED MAN ARRESTED IN POLICE SWOOP IN SANDOWN A high profile Police operation that involved officers from three forces secured the arrest of a man wanted for alleged drug importation “The Gazette” can reveal. Five plain clothes Police officers swooped on one of Britain’s most wanted criminals, who has been on the run for over two years. The 49 year old man was arrested outside Lloyds Bank in Sandown on Friday morning, January 14 2011, as shocked holiday makers and bank customers looked on. During the arrest alarmed bank staff called police as they belived a
fight was taking place. Britain’s most wanted Micheal McNiffe, who previously lived in Bestwood near Nottingham, is belived to have been staying on the Island keeping a low profile, for the past 18 months. The Gazette has learnt officers from Nottinghamshire Police and the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Unit were following up on a tip off that McNiffe had been living in a flat on the High Street in Sandown, Isle of Wight. A neighbour who lived in a neighbouring flat said that McNiffe and his partner had been living in
the High Street for about 9 months, and had two young children aged four and eight. The neighbour stated “they kept themselves to themselves”. McNiffe has charged by officers in respect of importing 100kg of controlled Class “A” drugs, believed to have a street value of up to 4.5 millons pounds. McNiffe appeared before Enfield Magistrates court on Monday January 17 2011. No application was made for bail and he was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey.
The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
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NEWS
FOUR SERIOUS AFTER CRASH AT SHALFLEET
Emergency services attended an incident involving multiple vehicles on Main Road, Shalfleet on Thursday (20th January 2011) Fire crews, using specialist cutting equipment from the rescue tender, freed three people, aged in their 20s, on spinal boards from a blue Vauxhall Corsa.
The occupants, believed to be a couple from the Yarmouth area, were taking a friend to St Mary’s Hospital when the accident occurred. One 23-year-old woman was also freed from silver Mitsubishi Gallant. A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said: “Hard road closures have been implemented in
Shalfleet at the junction of Pound Lane and are likely to remain in place until at least 3pm today (Thursday). These are likely to be in place for the rest of the day, as assistance from our colleagues from the Crash Investigation Team has been requested”. The spokesman went on to say that “all parties involved
within the accident are deemed to be in a serious condition”. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sargent Paul Bailey at the Road Policing unit at Shanklin on 0845 045 45 45 quoting Operation ESCOLAR.
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TWILIGHT lovers Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart shunned vampire life and holed up in a seaside bolt hole during a freezing New Year break. The heartthrob stars of the bloodsucking blockbusters celebrated the arrival of 2011 at a popular coastal resort on the Island with pals. But the couple were desperate to dodge having their photos taken by thrilled fans and local media - even vanishing before darkness fell. A pal revealed: “They are used to spending the year in Los Angeles amid the full glare of the paparazzi. This was a chance for them to get away, relax, unwind and hopefully blend in without being noticed. “They hate the kind of attention being in movies brings. The last thing they are is fame hungry. Unfortunately word got out and they were forced to leave and head back to where we are staying in a bid to get some quiet time.” While most stars chose to sun themselves over the holidays, Pattinson and Stewart headed off to the Island just as they did last year - where temperatures struggled to get above 6 degrees. The couple hopped on a Hovercraft from Portsmouth and headed across the Solent. They ate a Chinese meal at a restaurant on Ryde esplanade before making a beeline for a hideaway in Ventnor. Thrilled fan Hattie Bury managed to grab a snap of the Hollywood stars while out celebrating with friends on New Year’s Eve. She posted a pic of them on her Facebook page after spotting and meeting the Tinseltown duo while on the sea front. Hattie, from Newport, revealed: “My friend went up and spoke to Kristen who seemed shocked. Probably because they seem to have grabbed no attention what-so-ever so a
couple of overly grinning fans wasn’t the first wish she had for New Year.” Reports that the love-birds were in town first broke on social networking sites as locals posted info on Facebook and Twitter. The news quickly spread and frantic locals began trawling the island trying to catch a glimpse of the pair. They were finally caught on camera by Hattie, who said: “They were over here alright. He was lovely and very chilled - she was different. They were outside on the sea front with a group of friends. It was nice because everyone was really chilled. “Me and my friend spotted him. He was just chatting to his friends and Kristen went somewhere and when she came back she went to him and they were both chatting with a guy whilst having some drinks. “They sparked up so I waited until afterwards to ask them for a photo. However, I’m very happy that I got the opportunity to meet them both. Some people say she’s rude but I mean it was New Years Eve so it was pretty intrusive of me to ask for a photo. “I just didn’t want to let a moment like that go. I’m never going to see them again so I asked and luckily they agreed. I wished them a Happy New Year then went away very quickly. I didn’t want to annoy them anymore than I had already.” Shocked Hattie was later forced to shut down her Facebook page after being swamped with twisted messages from furious Pattinson and Stewart fans. They
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bombarded her with abuse after claiming she had sold the photograph to online media agencies in the United States. Pattinson, wearing a black hooded top and leather jacket, and Stewart, in grey hooded top and coat, and around 15 friends then blew away the cobwebs with a late lunch at the popular Spyglass Inn. The group laughed and sang as they sat in the Boathouse section of the pub and tucked into heaped plates of fresh seafood including garlic shrimps and crab chowder. Pattinson - who sat with his hood up during the meal - and Stewart appeared close as they sat next to each other and looked to have rekindled their on-off romance. Young fans stood nervously outside the dining area while pals of the couple took in autograph books and slips of paper to be signed. However, Pattinson and Stewart knocked back any requests for photographs. A pal said: “They just want to enjoy a bit of lunch with their friends. They are happy to sign stuff but they don’t want to do any photos.” The couple then staged a dramatic escape in a bid to avoid photographers waiting patiently outside for a shot. They clambered down stairs to the beach as their mates swarmed around the snappers and steered them away from the eating spot. Floppy-haired Pattinson and Stewart then raced up another set of stone steps and sprinted up a steep hill before vanishing
The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
down a narrow lane. Their friends then broke into small groups and headed off in separate directions along the seafront. Some were later spotted buying crates of beer and carrying them through the streets to their hideaway. One friend said: “Robert and Kristen hoped to come here and enjoy a hassle free New Year with some good friends. Unfortunately that hasn’t happened and they have gone back to where we are staying. “They have been coming here for the past five years at this time and it was only last year that word got out when someone managed to get a photo of them. “Sadly there a lot of psychos out there who would love to know that Robert and Kristen are here. They didn’t want any photos or even details about them being here getting out. They feel safe here but that might change now.” It is thought that when they quit the island they headed back to America due to filming commitments. Recently a book about Pattinson revealed he has become a target for obsessed followers who are after his blood in real life. The actor said” People ask me to bite them and want to touch my hair. I just don’t want someone to have a needle and give me AIDS and I don’t want to get shot or stabbed.” Pattinson is also terrified that high-profile movie premieres could make him a target for a terror attack or assassination attempt. He added: “Oh my God. Are they going to blow the place up? This is my life. People know my name and ambush me in public and try to figure out what hotel I’m staying at. I have accepted it as real now, but it still feels surreal.”
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The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
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NEWS
TEEN BIKER CRITICAL
Appeal for witnesses following serious road traffic collision at Rookley, Isle of Wight Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision which has left a 19-yearold Godshill man in a critical condition. The collision, involving a Suzuki motorcycle and a LDV Convoy truck, occurred shortly before 1pm on Thursday (Jan 20) on the A3020 Main Road at Rookley. The motorcycle, rode by the 19-yearold, was travelling from Godshill towards Newport when it was in collision with the truck. The rider was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport with serious injuries. He remains there in a critical but stable condition. The driver of the truck, a 55-year-old man, and the passenger, a 29-year-old man, both from East Cowes, were treated for shock at the scene. Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, or anyone who saw either vehicle prior to it, to call PC Geoff Turner at the Roads Policing Unit, Shanklin on 101, quoting Operation Oarfish. Alternatively, call the Crimestoppers charity line 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.
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The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
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NO CASE TO ANSWER OVER HIGHS Two men arrested after raids the were carried out by Island Police at shops in Ryde and Newport who where suspected of selling illegal drugs and ‘legal high’ substances will face no charges “The Gazette” can reveal. A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that two men, aged 50 and 33, arrested during an investigation into shops suspected of selling illegal drugs and ‘legal high’ substances on the Isle of Wight have been released from bail with no further action due to insufficient evidence. Police visited a shop in Ryde High Street on August 18, 2010 when a 33-year-old man from Sandown, Isle of Wight was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, and on suspicion of distributing a harmful substance under General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
On the same day (August 18, 2010), police also visited a shop in Newport, Isle of Wight where a 50-year-old man from Newport, Isle of Wight was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, and on suspicion of supplying hazardous materials contrary to General Product Safety Regulations 2005. These arrests were part of a police operation, which had been planned in response to reports on the Isle of Wight about the supply of illegal drugs and ‘legal high’ substances, including one known as ‘Ivory Wave’. The two arrests are not directly linked to police enquiries into the death of Michael Bishton whose body was found in the sea near Bembridge, Isle of Wight on Saturday, August 14, 2010.
TWO HURT IN SUPERMARKET HEAD ON CRASH AND DASH Two people have been taken to hospital with injuries after a head on crash in Brading this afternoon. The female drivers, 30 year and 40 year old both from the Ryde area were in collision in Tesco car park just after 3pm today (January 12). Three police cars, two ambulances and a rapid response paramedic attended the scene in Brading Road.
It is believed that a Mazda MX5 collided with a Ford Puma head on at low speed after the Puma glided into the path of the Mazda said the Police spokesman. Both drivers were taken by Isle of Wight ambulance service to St Mary’ Hospital in Newport for further treatment.
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The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
SWIMMERS SOS TO COUNCIL
A petition containing over 7,732 names urging Council bosses to rethink and not to close a swimming Pool in Ryde has been handed to the Deputy council leader George Brown, “The Gazette” can reveal. The petition was started after council bosses stated that they could save over £250,000 if they stopped running the Waterside Pool in Ryde. Councillors have said the pool may have to be privatised or even closed down. Residents and users of the popular swimming baths have formed an action group to save the pool after it is feared the pool maybe closed as cuts are made by the Isle of Wight council The newly-formed Waterside Action Group is promoting community ownership. It’s spokesman Ian Jenkins said: “We’re asking the community to grasp the opportunity to make it successful”.
The action group hopes to run the pool as a community facility and is drawing up what, it says, is a sustainable business plan incorporating additional uses for the complex, fresh marketing and using volunteers. The local authority has said it has to make £17m of savings in the next financial year and prioritising the services it is required to fund by law. There was 8 million pounds set aside for leisure project and 1.7 million of this was money was allocated to the Waterside pool. The council maintains every visit to Waterside Pool is subsidised by nearly £4.70. If there are no offers to take over the running of the pool by 23 February 2011, when the budget is set, then it will be closed at the end of March.
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The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
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WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER RAMPAGE IN A&E DEPARTMENT
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Gazette THE ISLE OF WIGHT
NEWS IN BRIEF
TICKET TOUTS ARE TOUT OF ORDER
A woman lost the plot at St Mary’s Hospital when she was told she would have to wait to be treated and ended up being arrested and taken away by a Police van “The Gazette” can reveal. The 30 year old had gone to hospital for treatment and had to wait for medical attention. Whilst waiting she became angry and impatient. One witness who spoke to “The Gazette” who did not wish to be named said the woman who looked like she had a bit to drink started kicking off and shouting and abusing the staff. The security guards tried to get the woman to calm down but she was having none of it.
Other people that were sat around me looked very upset at the woman’s behaviour, including a number of children. “Members of staff on duty looked very intimidated by the woman behaviour. The person on the reception desk who she was abusing said she was going to call the police. Three police units and a Police van attended the Accident and emergency department of St Mary’s hospital just after 3.30, Friday January 14. A woman was arrested for the drunken outburst and taken to Newport Police Station for questioning said a spokeswoman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police.
Andy Hollebon, spokesman for St Mary’s hospital spokesman said “The NHS has a zero tolerance policy. Both physical and verbal threats against our staff and/or other patients are completely unacceptable. The incidence of this type of problem in health services on the Island is relatively low but we have no hesitation in involving the Police where that is appropriate and will take action against individuals where the evidence warrants it. This might include a ban from attending health services apart from emergencies, a referral to the Island’s pub watch scheme which might result in a ban from all Island pubs and/or a prosecution.
With rumors that Isle of Wight festival 2011 tickets are in short supply and have sold out prices have tripled on the blackmarket. The price of a tickets on the black market has tripled over night “The Gazette” can reveal. Touts have brought tickets in mass quantities and have no intention of going to the festival. Not only reducing your chance of grabbing a ticket at a normal price, but making it even harder to know if they are the real thing. There are plenty of ticket touts who have now hung up their fur coats and taken to working online, and eBay has now become the ticket tout haven. If you do a search, you will see tickets, again, at stupidly high prices. Some people are genuine, but most are touts, check out their other items, don’t be surprised if its more tickets for yet more sold out events. Touts are leeches making money off people who really want to go to the festival. It’s playing dirty. The Gazette attempt to purchase a ticket with a camping pass attached to it and found starting bids on E bay over 450 pounds. Nearly three times the purchase price. A source has confirmed to The Gazette that a new allocation of tickets is about to be released by the festival organizers SOLO, so save you money, don’t get caught out, buy the real thing.
COPS QUIZ SUSPECTED BURGULAR OVER BREAK-INS The Gazette can reveal that Island Police have arrested a man who is believed to been involved in a series of burglaries and suspicious activity in the Ventnor and St. Lawrence area on New Year’s Day The 21-year-old man from the Sandown area of the Island was detained and arrested on Sunday, January 16 2011 on suspicion of burglary. Isle of Wight detectives from Newport CID quizzed the man for seven hours before bailing him until the end of January, pending further enquiries. A Police source said “A burglary took place at property in Bath Road, Ventnor shortly after 8.30am on January 1 2011″. The homeowner managed to disturb two men whilst they attempted to break in. The men ran off empty handed. Thirty minutes later a man challenged two men in the sitting room of his home
in Belgrave Road. No threats were made towards the man. It’s believed a purse and credit cards were reported stolen. The missing credit cards were later recovered near Steephill Cove beach after a dog walker found them in the sand. Later , a woman called Police reporting that two men where acting suspiciously in Old Park Road. The men asked for a drink after banging the ladies front door. At 12pm the owner of the Welllington Hotel called police to say a cash register had been stolen. It was later recovered by Police on the beach near to the Spyglass Inn on Ventnor seafront. On Sunday January 2011, a further burglary was reported at an address in Southgrove Road, Ventnor. A passport and more than £400 in cash had been taken sometime between 4pm on Christmas Eve (Friday, December 24, 2010) and 11pm on Saturday,
January 1 2011. Investigating officer Detective Constable Iain Robertson of Isle of Wight CID said: “All these reports are being linked by police as we carry out a range of enquiries to recover further evidence and identify suspects”. “Victims and witnesses have been able to give us descriptions of two men believed to have been involved in this series of burglaries. They were described as: White Aged in their late teens to early twenties Between 5 ft 9 and 5 ft 10 ins tall Short light brown hair One man was wearing a blue and grey top. We’re grateful to members of the public who’ve given us information and assistance so far”. Anyone else with information or who thinks they may have seen two men acting suspiciously in Ventnor or St. Lawrence on
New Year’s Day is asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.” Contact Detective Constable Iain Robertson at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing:http://www.hampshire.police.uk/ Internet/contact/message_officer.htm. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information on how to protect your home from burglars can be found on Hampshire Constabulary’s website:http://www. hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/ campaigns/saferhomes.html
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The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
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The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
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VITAMIN D AGONY FOR SUNCREAM GIRL A mother from the Sandown has told how smothering her daughter with sun cream helped lead to a vitamin D deficiency. The mum of two is claiming that a vitamin deficiency in her child is as a direct result of using sun cream on her 12-year daughter. Mental health nurse Lisa Attrill,36 of Sandown, used the factor 50 sun block believing that she was protecting her 12-year-old Tyler from harmful sunrays. The mother’s claim came to light after Tyler’s slow recovery from a leg operation. Doctors diagnosed Tyler with the deficiency of the vitamin D. If the deficiency had gone undetected, it could have led to Tyler suffering from rickets. Lisa said: She was shocked after doctors asked if she had used factor 50 sun block to protect her daughter. When the specialist was talking about the deficiency, he asked if I had used sun cream on her, and when I said yes, he said, ‘There you go then’. Speaking to the Gazette Lisa said that the condition left her daughter suffering sharp stabbing pains and weakness in her legs
Tyler had to under go a course of multi-vitamin tablets to help fight the deficiency. During a recent check up at Southampton General Hospital doctors gave Tyler the all clear when tests proved her vitamin levels were back to normal. A study carried out by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon said that 20% of children he had checked for bone problems showed signs of rickets. Professor Nicholas Clarke, of examined more than 150 children from Southampton for problems caused by a lack of vitamin D and was astonished by the result, which, he said, was reminiscent of 17th century England. The disease has been on the increase across the UK said Professor Clarke this can be down to due to poor diet and children’s lake of exposure to sunlight. The body takes in vitamin D in the form of sun-synthesis through the skin, but eggs and oily fish such as mackerel contain the vitamin. Those deficient in the vitamin can suffer weak and bowed bones.
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2011 started with a bang with the January Frostbite series kicking off at 2ft super clean Hanover. With an early start to coincide with the tide and a balmy 2• air temperature only the brave and foolish turned out in the quest towards becoming the 2010/11 Frostbite Champion. The day started off with Juniors. In a final short of consistent waves Robin Forrest managed to find a solid left wall to work and managed to win the heat. In second place came Matt Townsend just pipping his buddy and up and coming star Dom Arnold and in a respectable fourth came Dylan Hamlet who just needed to up his wave count to strengthen his assault on his opponentsIn the Open, despite the absence of title contenders and challengers Doug Richards, Andrew Tyrell, Luke Forrestst and the Whittle brothers, this was easily the most stacked field of talent in the series so far. Mark New and Josh Jupe back from Indonesia and James Ranson home from university it promised to be a cracking comp. In the first semi Al Reed put together some excellent long smooth
FIVE VEHICLE CRASH IN RYDE ONE HURT Police closed Smallbrook Lane with the junction of Ashey Road in Ryde after five car crash on Wednesday January 19. Emergency services were called to the scene near to Smallbrook Bridge shortly after 8.15 on Wednesday after five vehicles were in collision with each other. Two of the vehicle being a 50cc scooter and a 125 motorbike lost control after skidding on black Ice. One of the bike ended up in the middle of the road. A 25 year local man from the Ryde area who was driving a Fiat was treated for a neck injury and has been taken to St
Mary’s hospital in Newport by Isle of Wight ambulance service suffering from whiplash. A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police control room said” Local diversions and hard road closure where set up whilst the council highways department grit the area and recovery took place. A number of officers were sent to the scene after we received a number of call concerning the incident. The spokesman went onto confirm that no one was trapped in any of the vehicles.
waves including a small cover up that caused the first upset of the day by just pipping James Ranson to the only final berth of the heat. Despite James’ progressive approach he lost out by less than a point. In the second semi Joe Truman took total control of his home break and dominated his heat with super smooth rides and in the process eliminating Josh Jupe who had some awesome turns and reos but just could find the length of rides that Joe could. Chris Mannion who came second in the last event struggled with the return to winter wetsuits and the cold after a recent trip to Oz. No doubt Manni will find his form for the remaining two comps. In the third semi Ollie Harvey made his intentions clear straight from the off with a big right hander as the heat started. Mark new immediately replied by catching his best wave of the heat a superb right with some aggressive and critical turns in the pocket. However it was Matt Harwood who at the start of the heat struggled to find waves finally waited and caught a good size open faced right and went about putting
The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
three good hacks in all the way to the inside, then as he was paddling back out he took a smaller right and proceeded to complete a backside reverse and managed to steal the heat from Mark and Ollie.The final went out in a diminishing swell of 1 to 2 ft. Joe unfortunately couldn’t find his earlier form but it was tussle between Al and Matt who both pressured one another on taking set waves. Again Al’s smooth approach impressed the judges but it was the dogged patience of Matt who waited and waited for a set wave and managed to snag a long right that connected and was able to put a couple of strong turns in. Both Joe and Al both reposted immediately both catching set waves but both fell at crucial moments. So it was Matt who took the January title and continues to lead the frostbite series. With only the competitors three best results counting And potentially three events still remaining (dependent on waves) the title chase is still wide open with anyone still able to claim the overall title!
The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
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DISAPPOINTING RESULT ON CHRISTMAS DRINK DRIVE CRACKDOWN A RISE in the number of festive Island drink-drivers since last year has been labelled as “bitterly disappointing” by police chiefs. A total of 12 drivers were arrested and six ended up being charged with offences of drink driving. The Festive Safety Campaign, which ran between December 6 ,2010 and January 3, 2011 on the island by officers for the Shanklin Road Policing unit with help from colleagues from the mainland doesn’t seem to have hit home. Inspector Jon Snook said: “We have stopped almost 200 more drivers on the island during this year’s campaign and officers also carrying out special patrols to target
hot spot areas. “It is bitterly disappointing that so many people have continued to take risks on the roads over Christmas and New Year but none will be more disappointed than the drivers themselves who all stand to lose their licences and suffer the consequences of no longer being able to drive, which may include the loss of their livelihoods “As well as the risks posed to themselves and others, these thoughtless and selfish individuals will now realise, albeit too late in the day for them, the wider consequences of their actions,” said Mr Snook. “I am particularly grateful to those
who responded to our calls for information on individuals intent on driving after drinking and contacted us using the drink drive hotline.” “I would like to congratulate the public-spiritedness of those who called and thank them for playing their part in making the island a safer place over the festive period. Despite the campaign coming to an end, officers will continue to patrol the islands roads as normal and anyone caught drink or drug-driving will face tough penalties said Snook. Check out the next “The E Gazette” for an exculsive report of ring of steel thrown up in attempt to catch Island drink driver who flout the law.
POLICE HUNT GANG AFTER WOMAN ATTACKED Police are investigating an alleged assault involving a group of up to 20 people in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. A 26-year-old woman from Ventnor, Isle of Wight was approached by the group in the Spring Hill area of the town sometime between half past midnight and 1.15am on Saturday, January 15, 2011. The victim received injuries to her head, face, back and ribs. She was taken to St Mary’s hospital by Isle of Wight Ambulance . Investigating officer PC Rob Quick of the Isle of Wight Targeted Patrol Teams said: “This was a nasty violent assault by a group of young people against a woman who was fortunate not to be more seriously injured. “Officers have been carrying out house-tohouse enquiries in Ventnor this week, and we remain keen to hear from any witnesses who might remember seeing a disturbance in the Spring Hill area of Ventnor during the
early hours of Saturday morning.” Anyone with information about the assault or the identity of people in the group is asked to contact PC Rob Quick at Shanklin Police Station by phoning 101 or emailinghttp:// www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/ contact/message_officer.htm From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call the police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
DIANA VICKERS TO PLAY AT FESTIVAL POP princess Diana Vickers has been lined up to play the Isle Of Wight Festival. The X Factor star was yesterday unveiled as the latest act to appear at the event. Quirky Diana has been spending time in Los Angeles working on her second album. She has been updating fans on her progress and recently met celebrity blogger Perez Hilton. Foo Fighters and Kasabian have already been confirmed as headliners at the island bash. Dave Grohl’s lads will top the bill above the newly-reformed Pulp on Saturday night. The Kings Of Leon will head up the gathering on Friday night. Tickets to the festival in June have already sold out.
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The Gazette, Friday, January 28, 2011
FUSE BOX SPARKS INFERNO
Fire crews from Newport,supported by retained fire fighters from Cowes, tackled a furious blaze in New Street, Newport on Thursday evening (January 21). Two appliances were called shortly after 10.20pm after the fire broke out in the semi-detached property. Eleven firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, tackled the blaze using two high-pressure hose reels. Four occupants of the three-storey property were treated with oxygen therapy for
smoke inhalation by Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and were taken to St Mary’s Hospital for further treatment. It is believed the four persons involved had only recently movedinto the property, within the past few weeks. Duty Officer Jeff Walls said: “Crews on attendance were faced with a ground floor fire, well alight and used hoses reels and breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire. Four occupants were out of the building when crews arrived. The occupants were
treated for smoke inhalation”. Mr Walls went on to say that “smoke and fire had extensively damaged the property”. Southern electric were called in by the Isle of Wight Fire Service to make external electrics safe. Neighbouring properties were evacuated by firefighters whilst they fought the blaze. One neighbour who spoke to “The Gazette”, who did not wish to be named said: “At first we thought it was kids mucking about, banging on the door, then we saw the flames flickering.