A BIG Issue salesman has been charged with attacking another person following an argument in the centre of Southampton.

Dale Swarbrick, 24, of Lower Alfred Street, Southampton, was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent following an attack on a 37-year-old man in the busy Above Bar Street in the area outside Clarks and WH Smith shortly after 2.30pm yesterday.

A police cordon was set up around an area of pavement covered in blood while officers took statements from witnesses.

Following the attack, the victim, thought to be homeless, was rushed, unconscious, to hospital suffering from serious head injuries which are said to be non-life threatening.

Swarbrick was remanded in custody and was due to appear before Southampton magistrates this morning.