ARMED police descended on a Southampton community in the hunt for a group who beat a man in a city street.

The 48-year-old had to be taken to hospital for treatment after the assault in Northam.

Officers cordoned off Radcliffe Road in the wake of the attack, while residents say armed response officers were also at the scene.

Officers were called to the street in Northam and found the man in the street with minor injuries.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment, and discharged the following morning.

Police say the victim was attacked by a group of three or four men between 6.10 and 6.30pm on Wednesday.

Residents living near the scene said they saw broken glass on the street in the wake of the attack.

One womansaid: “I was in the lounge with my husband and a friend when I heard what sounded like car doors being slammed repeatedly.

“There was also a fair bit of shouting although I couldn't make out what was being said.

“At the time I assumed that someone had some really noisy visitors turn up, as the shouting didn't indicate either anger or anything else.

“The shouting went on for some time.

“The next thing I heard was a car engine revving, then what sounded like the vehicle screeching off.”

She says she opened her front door a short time later to see police officers taping off the street, also saying she saw armed response officers at the scene.

She continued: “I went to take a look out of my bedroom window and had a clear view into the ambulance which was open.

“There was a male laying in the back with a neck brace on, he wasn't moving and looked pretty badly beaten Police are not disclosing any other information about the attack at this stage, and are searching for a group of three or four men who they believe to be responsible.

Hampshire Constabulary has urged anyone with information about the assault to contact PC Gerald Eveleigh at Southampton Central CID by calling 101.