TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man had his throat slashed outside a Southampton pub.

Robert Holden, 29, was left needing emergency surgery following the attack outside the Encore pub in Commercial Road.

As reported by the Daily Echo, PC Nick Spratt rushed to help Mr Holden after he was assaulted outside the pub.

He sustained a 12-inch gash, which severed a major artery, and PC Spratt held the wound with both hands to stem the blood flow.

Police launched a hunt for four men after the incident, which happened on July 22, and say they have now arrested two men from London.

The two men, aged 27 and 35, have been released under investigation.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: "Detectives continuing to investigate the near-fatal assault would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident or has information about what happened.

"Please call 101 and quote 44170281379."

Speaking after the attack in July, detective inspector Adam Edwards said: "The victim had to undergo emergency surgery as the wound inflicted had cut through a main artery in his neck, putting his life at serious risk.

"It could have had fatal consequences. However, he is now recovering well."