A MAN has been arrested after a police officer was assaulted in West End - sparking a wide scale hunt in the area.

Armed officers and a police helicopter aided the search, launched after two men on a bike attempted to run from police in West End Road / Chalk Hill on September 11.

Officers say two police officers in an unmarked car stopped a motorcycle as it had been reported stolen.

The rider and pillion passenger were detained but evaded police custody during arrest.

An officer was assaulted and received hospital treatment for injuries.

He has since been discharged.

Police have denied social media claims that an officer was shot during the incident, which took place around 3pm.

Officers in Southampton have since arrested a 20-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm, attempted unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle, possession of ammunition of a firearm, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, escaping lawful custody, driving without valid insurance, dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle.

He remains in police custody at this time.

Officers continue to search for one other man in connection with this incident.