Huge Brawl Outside Pub Leaves Police Officer Seriously Injured
Officer Attacked in Midnight Melee
Police are hunting witnesses after a savage fight erupted outside a notorious pub just before midnight on Wednesday, 29th December. Around 20 people clashed in a violent brawl when patrolling cops stepped in. During the chaos, a police officer in his 30s was brutally assaulted, sustaining serious facial injuries. He was rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital but has now been discharged.
Four Arrested, Three Still in Custody
The mob scattered, but police quickly arrested four men linked to the melee. They include:
- A 22-year-old from portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth, arrested on suspicion of affray, grievous bodily harm (Section 18 wounding with intent), and possession of Class A drugs. He has since been released without charge.
- A 23-year-old from Portsmouth, held on suspicion of affray, Section 18 wounding with intent, and possession of Class A drugs.
- A 24-year-old from Havant, arrested for Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.
- A 24-year-old from Waterlooville, arrested on suspicion of affray.
The latter three remain in police custody as the investigation ramps up.
Police Appeal for Witnesses to Step Forward
Detective Inspector Mark Alleman said, “This was a particularly nasty altercation involving a large number of people in a public place, some of whom we’d still like to speak to. We believe there are still victims who may have been injured in the incident that are yet to come forward. If this is you, we’d like to hear from you. We also want to hear from anyone who saw what happened, either outside of the pub at the time or in the lead-up to the incident.”
Officers are probing the drug and violence-tainted venue. Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting reference 44210519421, or contact police via the online form: https://orlo.uk/dai5M.
