POLICE arrested three people after a fight broke out in a Hampshire university library.

Security staff at University of Southampton’s main Hartley Library detained two men until police arrived after the disturbance on Sunday afternoon, also attempting to stop trouble spilling over outside.

Security staff at University of Southampton's main Hartley Library detained two men until police arrived after the disturbance on Sunday afternoon, also attempting to stop trouble spilling over outside.

Police arrested two 18-year-olds on suspicion of assault and a 17-year-old on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in connection with the incident and took them away for questioning.

Officers were called at 2.55pm to the University Road library, where security staff had stepped in following a “public order incident” in the foyer.

Every on duty member of the university's security team was involved in the response to the disturbance, controlling people inside the library and also outside it.

It is not thought anyone was seriously hurt in the fight.

A university spokesman said: “Security staff were asked to attend an incident in the Hartley Library and, after talking to witnesses, two males were spoken to by security staff until the police arrived.

“Further persons arrived on scene and security staff managed to keep both groups apart until the arrival of the police.

"None of those involved were university students or staff.

“At one point all available security staff were involved in controlling this incident both within the library and outside to prevent further escalation."

A Hampshire police spokesman said: “We were called following what is described as a public order incident that appears to have focussed around some sort of dispute and has resulted in the arrest of three people.”

The two 18-year-olds, both from Southampton, were later released with police cautions.

The 17-year-old youth, also from Southampton, was released with no further action.