A MAN is recovering in hospital after an apparent assault outside a Hampshire pub.

Police closed part of Portsmouth Road in Horndean throughout the morning to allow for specialist investigators to study the scene after a reported public disorder incident in the early hours.

A 33-year-old Fareham man was taken to hospital with a head injury described by police as “potentially serious”, following an incident outside the Colonial bar in Portsmouth Road at 1.41am.

Detectives said they believe he had potentially been assaulted.

Police arrested a 34-year-old Waterlooville man at 2.15am on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Police said this afternoon that the injured man was still in a stable condition.

Police, who are appealing for witnesses, have released the arrested man on bail, pending further enquiries, until next month.

Anyone with information should call CID at Waterlooville police station on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.