A MAN has been charged over an alleged knife attack which took place near a pub on Southampton Common.

Police rushed to the site, near the The Cowherds pub, just after 4.20pm on Thursday following reports of a man with a knife threatening people and sealed off the area.

Now a spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed 34-year-old Nabil Errouam, of Oxford Avenue, Bevois, has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent, affray, possession of a bladed article in a public place and threatening a person with a bladed article in a public place.

Errouam is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court today.

As previously reported, police had stepped up their investigation into the incident in which they said three people were injured.

Officers want to speak to anyone who has mobile phone footage of the incident.

Witnesses told the Daily Echo that at least ten vehicles were parked near the Cowherds pub, and a forensics van was seen in the area.

An injured 17-year-old girl was taken to Southampton General Hospital and released last night, and a 50-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were injured but did not require hospital treatment.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman earlier said: "Officers deployed a Taser at the scene.

"We are investigating the circumstances of this incident but do not believe it to be terrorism related.

"If you have any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting Operation Touchdown."

The spokesman added this morning: "A police presence remains on Southampton Common for public reassurance - please speak to officers if you have any concerns or information."