A FAMILY out for lunch was targeted by a stranger having a mental health episode.

The incident unfolded at a Newport cafe today (Sunday).

A man tried to enter Snacks and Ladders board game cafe on St James Street, convinced a couple were abducting some children.

The cafe owner, who didn't wish to be named, told the County Press it was clear the man was having a mental health episode. This has since been confirmed by the police.

She said: "The man lives near here and we recognised him, so we felt very sorry for him as he was clearly having a breakdown.

"He came into our foyer convinced something was amiss with the family.

"We managed to push him out onto the street and lock ourselves and the family safely inside.

"My husband and the father restrained the man outside while several of us called 999.

"Around six or seven police arrived and handcuffed him for his own safety.

"There were no injuries and no one was hurt, and the police were very good with him and calm."

The man was taken to St Mary's Hospital by the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, with police in attendance.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 12.31pm today to reports of a public order incident on St James Street, Newport.

"On arrival this was established to be a mental health episode.

"A 43-year-old man was detained by officers under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

"He has been transferred into the appropriate care."