THREE people have been arrested after three taxi drivers were subjected to a "nasty" attack.

It happened at around 2.30am on Sunday, at the taxi rank in South Street in Newport.

One of the drivers had something thrown at his car and got out to have a look and the group began to be verbally aggressive.

The driver was then assaulted and two other drivers who were at the rank were also attacked.

The group are described as three females and two males.

The taxi drivers all received minor injuries but were left badly shaken and shaken by what happened.

Detectives have since been interviewing the victims and carrying out enquiries and investigating the incident.

Yesterday police said that two people from Newport, a man aged 22 and a woman aged 24, and a 22-year-old man from Freshwater, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and are currently helping police with their enquiries.

Head of CID on the Island 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.

Isle of Wight Police Commander Superintendent, Sarah Jackson said ‘We are working closely with local taxi drivers and our partner organisations to address any safety concerns the drivers may have."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Newport CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.