ISLE of Wight police have been called to Newport this afternoon (Monday) ­— following reports a man had been assaulted.

Witnesses told the County Press an altercation had taken place at St James' Street, Newport, outside Natwest bank.

Both a police car and a van were spotted at the scene, and witnesses described how a drunken man had appeared to assault another man.

Isle of Wight Police have been approached for a comment.

UPDATE: A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Police said: "We were called at 12.12pm to a disturbance at Capital Jewellers.

"Officers are in attendance."

UPDATE: Capital Jewellers' owner Rob Kirwin said a man, aged in his mid-20s, had walked in the shop offering to sell him some items, which he believed was suspicious.

Mr Kirwin said the man had become aggressive towards staff, and was escorted from the shop.

"He spat at me. He was aggressive, he was trying to get back in. He tried to throw a chair into the shop," said Mr Kirwin, who restrained the man while a colleague called the police.

A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Police said: "A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of common assault, shoplifting and a public order offence in connection with the incident at Capital Jewellers."