Police action after objects thrown from Isle of Wight cliff

The stark warning comes after a group were reported to have thrown bottles and stones from the cliff path overlooking the former Strollers Cafe in Sandown.

Discussing the incident, which took place several weeks ago, Cllr Adrian Whittaker said a glass bottle nearly struck a woman pushing a buggy and shattered glass cut her toddler's leg.

Later that same day, Cllr Whittaker said there were reports of beer cans and stones being thrown from Lake Cliff Gardens, and days later ­— near Toppings Ice Cream Parlour in Shanklin ­— there were reports of stones and glass bottles being hurled at passersby.

Debris after the incident.

Cllrs Adrian Whittaker and Stephen Parkes spoke to the County Press.

Beach hut owners in Sandown said "craters" had been left in the ground on occasion, when heavy objects had been thrown toward the revetment.

Cllr Whittaker said, as recent as Wednesday, October 27, there was a report of a 'boulder' being thrown at the top of Osborne steps in Shanklin, smashing the window of a vehicle and leaving debris in a nearby car park.

He said the matters were discussed at a Lake Parish Council meeting last week, and there is a need to look at the bin provision across the bay.

He said police have also stepped up patrols where the incidents have taken place, and the Isle of Wight Council has been informed.

"If someone was severely injured or killed, the only recourse would be to close off the cliff paths until resources are put in place, such as CCTV, which would be very difficult." said Cllr Whittaker.

"We're limited on options in general. People have suggested there should be a vigilante group set up to patrol the cliff paths.

"I'm very much against this, in the interests of everyone's safety."

Rocks were thrown, damaging a roof.

Cllr Paul Brading said it is an issue right across the bay, and one parish and town councils can't solve on their own.

He said police have reacted quickly and isolated where the behaviour could be coming from, focussing on a handful of shelters where people congregate, and the council are looking at solutions.

These could involve the introduction of compression bins ­— to stop people taking objects from them.

With growing concerns across all three bay councils, Cllr Brading hopes the problems are going to be phased out before something serious happens.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said: “The council is aware of the issues along the cliffs in Sandown and shares the public's concerns on safety.

"We are working with the police to prevent the incidents.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any incidents to the police's 101 number.”

Police have since issued 14 anti social behaviour warning letters to youths and their parents.

A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Police said: "These are an important first step in challenging the issues.

"The letters are both a warning and a signposting document to help support our youths and prevent future incidents."