Crime & Safety
Oxford manhunt still ongoing after four ‘assault’ arrests
Thames Valley Police has said today (Monday, March 23) that they are still searching for Geraldo Noka in connection with a group assault on New Year’s Day in Oxford.
He is the fifth man identified by police in relation to the reported assault of two men in their 20s outside Cafe Baba and Bodrum on Cowley Road on January 1 at about 4.30am.
READ MORE: Van seized by Thames Valley Police after reports of fly-tipping on rural road
Geraldo Noka is ‘believed to be part of the group’, according to police, and an appeal was launched to find him over a week ago.
The 22-year-old is described as a white male of medium build about 6ft tall, and is known to frequent Cowley Road and Iffley Road in Oxford.
Geraldo Noka, 22, is wanted in connection with the assault (Image: Thames Valley Police)
Thames Valley Police said they have already arrested four people in relation to the assault.
A spokesperson said today: “Arber Spata and Arger Poleshi remain on remand after being charged earlier this year.”
Another man has also been charged and a fourth has been released on police bail.
READ MORE: Probe launched after night-time affray reported outside town’s pub
Detective constable Isabel Searle, based at St Aldate’s police station, said on March 16: “We have now identified a fifth man, Geraldo Noka, in connection with this assault so we are appealing for the public’s help to find him.
“If you see Noka, do not approach him and call 999 instead.
“If you know where Noka is or may have seen him, please call 101, visit a police station, or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43260000325.”
Alternatively, make an anonymous report to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.
Crime & Safety
Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome in Oxford’ after ‘inciting riot’
Oxford Stand Up To Racism has accused Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, of inciting the ‘awful violent scenes’ in Southampton on Tuesday night (June 2).
The city where 18-year-old Henry Nowak died and where his killer, Vickrum Digwa, lived became a scene of destruction after hundreds descended to smash car windows, hurl bricks and cause eleven officers and a police dog to be injured.
READ MORE: New date set for Tommy Robinson appearance in Oxford
Following the disorder, the chief of Hampshire police said those involved were ‘determined to spark fear and division’.
Screen grab taken from a video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. (Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)
Yaxley-Lennon, who has been jailed multiple times for a variety of offences including when he was imprisoned in October 2024 for contempt of caught, addressed the crowd at the riot.
He said: “I heard someone say this wasn’t about race, this is about race.
“A white boy who done nothing was handcuffed, a murderer in possession of a knife who stabbed someone five times isn’t.”
Oxford Stand Up to Racism is now renewing its call for the Oxford Union to withdraw its invitation for the ‘riot agitator’ to speak on June 17 on the subject of Islam.
He was originally due to speak at the historic debating society on Thursday, May 28 before his appearance was postponed over security concerns and after massive backlash.
A previous Stand Up to Racism protest in Oxford (Image: Newsquest)
READ MORE: Major emergency response in Oxford as paramedics on scene
Ian McKendrick, a member of the anti-racism group, said: “Despite Henry Nowak’s family clearly requesting that his death should not be used to promote further hatred, Robinson was at the centre of protests in Southampton last night and clearly inciting violence.
“Giving him a televised platform at the Oxford Union legitimises hate and violence, and gives him the opportunity to incite violence to an audience of millions.
“It does not promote free speech – instead, it promotes fear and intimidation among minoritised communities.
“Already we have seen Oxford fascists alongside Robinson in Southampton and now mobilising to bring more hate onto Oxford’s streets.”
Tommy Robinson with protesters outside Southampton police station (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA)
Members of Raise the Colours: Oxfordshire were called to attend the Southampton protest on Tuesday night, with the leader of the group posting on Facebook to ask followers to join the ‘justice for Henry Nowak’ protest.
Mr McKendrick added: “There is a concerted effort by far right leaders and fascist groups to incite outrage and bring people on to the streets to riot.
READ MORE: Traffic chaos in Witney amid report of ‘major incident’
“We risk an explosion of violence similar to what we saw around the Southport murders across the UK.
“We’re calling on Oxford to say a clear ‘no’ to this hate and division by protesting against Yaxley-Lennon’s appearance at the Oxford Union.”
Faith and civic leaders of Oxford already wrote to the Oxford Union asking it to rescind the controversial figure’s invitation, and hundreds have signed an open letter calling for the same.
Crime & Safety
Witney traffic chaos amid report of 'major incident' at junction
A reported incident at a junction in Witney is causing traffic chaos in the town, with drivers coming off the A40 and elsewhere stuck in long queues.
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Crime & Safety
Major emergency response in Oxford as paramedics on scene
An incident occurred in St Aldate’s, outside the entrance to Christ Church Meadows, at about 4pm on Tuesday, June 2.
At least three ambulances were responding to what appeared to be a medical emergency on the pavement.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire footbridge over A-road a collapse risk for years
An individual was scene on a stretcher being cared for by paramedics.
At least three ambulances responded to what appeared to be a medical emergency in St Aldate’s, Oxford (Image: Contributed)
An eyewitness said the incident occurred opposite the Alice Shop, and the medical teams ‘evacuated’ the person.
Apart from the pavement briefly being blocked while the first responders dealt with the emergency, it did not appear to affect traffic or block the road in busy St Aldate’s.
South Central Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.
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