FIVE people have been arrested after an assault.

Police were called to the back of a shop on Portswood Road at 5.40pm on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses said they saw up to 15 officers attend the scene.

A worker at Jays Barbers on Portswood Road said she and a colleague saw emergency services in the alleyway behind Food Plus Polish and Eastern European Food Store as they were leaving work between 5.30pm and 6pm.

She said: “We were just outside then we walked back to our car and there were these guys talking to police officers down the alleyway. As we were walking out there was a guy being wheeled out on a stretcher. He was covered in blood. It was horrible.”

Geraldine Harlock, 71, from Tennyson Road, said: “It’s horrible. It makes you feel scared and uneasy. It’s so close to home.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: “We are investigating an assault which took place at a flat on Portswood Road, Southampton.

“Police were called at 5.40pm on May 15 to reports that a man had suffered injuries to his head, arms, and legs.

“The victim, a 28-year-old man from Southampton, was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment. “Enquiries into the exact circumstances are ongoing.

“Four men from Southampton, aged 18, 26, 26, and 28, and a 46-year-old woman from Southampton have been arrested.”

Staff at Sprinkles said they handed CCTV footage to police. Food Plus declined to comment.