A MAN was assaulted after detaining a teenager who he deemed responsible for a nearby robbery.

Police were deployed to Hamble railway station just after 8am this morning following reports of a robbery in the area.

The member of the public had detained the boy, 15, and an altercation ensued.

The 33-year-old man from Hamble-le-Rice was assaulted.

A 15-year-old boy from Southampton was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault and robbery, and remains in custody at this time.

Eastleigh and Hedge End District Commander, Chief Inspector Marcus Cator, said: “We are aware of reports online that the victim was told by police to release the person they had detained and await for police arrival on-scene.

"Our advice and guidance to anyone that is a witness to a crime in progress, is to dial 999 immediately.

“While we can understand the frustrations of the public at times, we would never advise anyone to take the law into their own hands as this places themselves, and others, at risk.

"Engaging in an incident without first considering their own safety, such as detaining someone, is fraught with risks and potential dangers of what they do not know. Always seek to dial 999 and engage with the police directly."