Appeal for witnesses after officer seriously assaulted in Southampton

We are appealing for witnesses after a police officer was seriously assaulted in Southampton in the early hours of this morning (June 23).

We were called to a public order incident involving several people outside Yates bar in Above Bar Street, Southampton, shortly after midnight.

Our first officer to arrive at the scene was assaulted outside of the bar.

The 54-year-old was taken to Southampton General Hospital with a serious facial injury. He remains in hospital at this time.

His family have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Investigations into the exact circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

DI Emma Crute said: “Our thoughts are very much with the officer and his family as we continue our investigations into what happened.

“There were a lot of people around at the time of this incident who will have seen what happened.

“If you were in the bar or outside when it happened please contact us because you may have information that could help with our investigation.

“We know a lot of people enjoy taking photos and videos when they are on a night out, so if you are looking at your phone this morning and you think you may have captured something, please let us know.

“You may not think what you have is of any use, but if you were in that area around midnight, it may be really useful to our enquiries.”

Four men, aged 22, 26, 27 and 32 have been arrested in connection with this incident. They remains in custody at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101, quoting 44190215711, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.