AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a man was rushed to hospital following a serious incident in a Southampton street.

Mystery still surrounds the circumstances in Lower Banister Street, which happened at around 12.30am yesterday.

Officers rushed to the scene after reports a man suffered a serious head injury.

Salisbury Street and Lower Banister Street were cordoned off.

Officers carried out investigations at the site and asked residents not to approach the area.

Jade Halladay, who owns Halladay’s Tea Room in Bedford Place and lives in Lower Banister Street, said she was at home when the incident happened.

And added: “My dogs were barking and I heard noises like someone was shouting but I didn’t wake up.

"I thought it was normal, it’s quite noisy around here. Then I came down in the morning at about 7.15am and the road was cordoned off.

“There were two police cars, one at each end of the road, and four officers but I didn’t see any forensic officer.

“I opened the shop like usual.”

Lower Banister Road remained closed to the public until noon.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire police confirmed that the person injured was a 40-year-old man but details of where he was from have not been revealed.

The spokeswoman added: “The man was transported to hospital for treatment.

“It has since been confirmed the man suffered serious injuries to his face rather than his head and he has received hospital treatment.

"His injuries are not life threatening. We are keen to find out how this man sustained these injuries.”

Businessmen who runs restaurants in the area said he wasn’t surprised about the incident.

Luis Miguel, owners of Diego’s Portuguese Rotisserie in Bedford Place, added: “I don’t know exactly what happened but I’m not surprised. It’s getting worse and worse. There should be more police and cameras around here.”

City councillor Dave Shields, cabinet member for health and community safety, said: “If somebody has been injured we want to find out what happened. It’s a bit premature to speculate about the cause of the incident.

“I’d be interested to hear as soon as we have any information to see what can be done. We just want to make sure these places are safe at night. I encourage witnesses to come forward.”

Witnesses are urged to call 101 and quote 44180219811.