TWO police officers were attacked while trying to make an arrest in Southampton.

The officers were on patrol on St Mary's Street when they carried out a stop check on a group of people in an alleyway opposite the church.

They were approached by another man when a struggle began.

While trying to detain the man, a female police constable was pushed to the floor and dragged along the road, leaving her with cuts and bruises.

The male detective constable she was with also suffered minor cuts and bruises.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward and are particularly keen on speaking to several people who were seen in the area at around 1.40pm yesterday.

These include a white girl in her 20's wearing headphones, an Asian man with headwear standing nearby, a large group standing outside the college and a white man in a Southampton football shirt.

Detective Sergeant Jan Bulfield from the Operation Fortress team said: “Both these officers were assaulted while carrying out their duties in Southampton. Thankfully they have not been seriously injured but have been shaken up nonetheless.”

A 31-year-old Southampton man was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and assault with intent to resist arrest. He remains in custody.

Anyone with information should contact the Operation Fortress team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.