A MAN was assaulted near a Southampton park on Saturday, with witnesses claiming a hammer was involved.

Police were called at around 3pm to Park Walk, to reports that a man had been assaulted.

Witnesses said they believe a hammer was involved.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to Southampton General Hospital with injuries to his head, face and hands.

His injuries are not thought to be life threatening. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 2.56pm this afternoon (Saturday 28 August) to a report that a man had been assaulted on Park Walk, Southampton.

"Officers remain in the area conducting enquiries to establish the circumstances of what occurred."

Pride celebrations were taking place at a packed Guildhall Square nearby at the time, though police said the incident is not being investigated as a hate crime.

The spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "There is nothing to suggest it is linked to the Pride celebrations or hate crime at this time, however enquiries are underway to determine the exact circumstances around what happened."

Anyone with information is advised to call police on 101 quoting 44210344088.