A MAN has been knocked out after being attacked in a Hampshire city centre this evening.

Police and paramedics were called to Winchester at 6.45pm after the man was left unconscious at King Alfred's statue.

He was caught in a row with two other people before being assaulted, according to South Central Ambulance Service.

A spokesman said: "It was an assault on a male patient who as a result of the assault was briefly unconscious - but he's come around."

Police took the man away in a car instead of putting him in an ambulance, the spokesman said.

"When he came around he was somewhat difficult," he added. "The police have then transported him because it was safer to do so, rather than our crew."

Hampshire Constabulary initially refused to provide information on the incident, later saying it had no details to give.

The ambulance spokesman dismissed rumours on social media that a cyclist had been hit by a car.