POLICE are looking for the Good Samaritan who rushed to the aid of a woman who was being attacked in Southampton.

Officers want to speak to the man who stepped in to help the 26-year-old victim who was being beaten by another woman in front of four young children who were in tears from what they were forced to witness.

The assault in Paynes Road lasted for five minutes until the woman was dragged from the victim, who received several blows to her head and torso.

At the time of the attack the victim was walking along Paynes Road with a friend and her friend's four children, aged between one and eight, when they heard shouting from the other side of the road.

The female began by verbally abusing the victim before coming across the road to start hitting her.

The man who intervened is described as white and stocky, with short brown hair and aged in his late thirties. He left in a sliver and blue people carrier.

PC Greg Pinnell said:“This was a nasty incident that left the victim and those with her in a frightened state. The man who stopped the assault is an important witness, and his assistance would help the police investigation.”

Anyone with information about the attack, on June 17, at 3.40pm, should contact PC Pinnell at Shirley police station on 101.