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Man assaulted in Portsmouth city centre

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Somers Road, Portsmouth (outside the old Aqua Cars office) just after 6.40pm on Sunday, July 8.

The 43-year-old local man asked a group of men for some changed. They said they had none and the man walked on.

A short time later the man noticed the group following him and he was punched in the face.

The group of six or seven men are described as Asian, aged late teens to early 20s. One of the group was wearing a black tracksuit and black trainers.

The man sustained bruising and swelling to his left eye, small cuts on his eyebrow and a cut to his left cheekbone which required five stitches.

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Gritting consultation

Changes to the law which would allow tractors to use ‘red diesel’ for gritting roads have been published by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Currently, only purpose built or adapted gritters may use red diesel when they are being used to grit roads.

HMRC welcomes views on the consultation document ‘Use of rebated fuel for gritting in rural areas’_ from anyone who would be affected by any changes or is involved in the provision of gritting services or equipment, including councils, agencies and other bodies.

Steven Clarke, Oils Policy team, HMRC said:

“In recent winters during extreme weather we have temporarily allowed tractors and other agricultural vehicles gritting rural roads to use red diesel.

“We are now considering whether we need to change the law to formalise this and make it permanent”.

Operation Fortress update

The police officer leading a crackdown on drug-related violence in Southampton is calling communities to help them rebuild local neighbourhoods.

Operation Fortress is Hampshire Constabulary’s two-year campaign to tackle violent crime associated with drug dealing in the city.

It’s headed up by a dedicated team but involves all local police officers and staff.

This week, the team carried out another five warrants at addresses across the city, made thirteen arrests and seized almost 300 bags of class A drugs.

It brings the total number of people arrested to 46 since the campaign launched at the end of May.

More flood alerts issued

A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency for the River Evenlode from Moreton in Marsh to Cassington and also the River Glyme at Wootton and Woodstock.

Flooding is possible for the River Evenlode from Moreton in Marsh to Cassington including, Kingham, Bledington, Milton under Wychwood, Shipton under Wychwood, Ascott under Wychwood, Charlbury, Fawler and Long Hanborough and also the River Glyme at Wootton and Woodstock.

Flooding is also possible for the Langford and Wendlebury Brooks and their tributaries from Stratton Audley down to the M40 near Merton, including Bicester and Wendlebury .

HS2 consultation postponed

The Government has delayed a major consultation exercise aimed at deciding how much people living along the route of HS2 should be paid for the disruption and loss of value to homes the project will cause.

The £32 billion scheme will see a new high speed line from London to Birmingham through Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

It was to have started in May but has now been postponed until September.

Under current proposals those hit might have to wait until the line is built in 2027 before they can claim.

But following massive protests the Government announced a review which is now delayed.

Ministers say they need more time to look at the options.

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Witness appeal after assault

Detectives are continuing to investigate a report of an assault in Portsmouth.It's alleged a 23-year-old man was assaulted by a group of four men aged in their mid-20s in King Henry 1st Street at around 2am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.

The victim received head and jaw injuries. He was taken to hospital.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jim Garrett said: “At this time of night there were a number of people walking home from clubs. We are appealing for witnesses to the assault itself, but also anyone who saw where the men came from or ran off.”