RESIDENTS in a Southampton street have spoken of their shock and fear after a man was injured in an alleyway attack near their homes.

Police say a 39-year-old man suffered a serious head injury in the incident, in an alleyway off Carlton Road, The Polygon.

The man was rushed to hospital following the incident, which took place around 8.50pm on Thursday night.

One resident who lives near the alleyway, which links James Weld Close and Carlton Road, said she was putting out her rubbish when she saw a man “covered in blood”.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “Both my children were asleep and so I thought I would take out the rubbish.

“When I opened the door there were two men standing there, both covered in blood.

“One of the men looked in a panic.”

She added: “I was in shock.

“There was blood everywhere. It was really surreal.”

Another resident, who was originally from Canada but had lived in the area for a year, said she also saw two men in the aftermath of the incident.

She said: “Their shirts were covered in blood.

“There were probably around 10 people who came out to have a look at what had happened.

“I was scared and shocked, we all were.

“We didn’t know what to do.

“I wanted to go back inside.”

She added: “I’m from a suburban part of Canada, I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

The resident said police arrived soon after and arrested two men.

Police say one man suffered a serious head injury in the incident and was transported to hospital.

Officers say his injuries are considered serious but not life threatening.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.49pm on June 6 to a report of a serious assault.

“The incident happened in the vicinity of Archers Road and James Weld Close.”

“A 39-year-old man was found to have suffered a serious head injury and transported to hospital.

“His injuries are considered serious but not life threatening.

Two men, a 49-year-old and a 29-year-old, both from Winchester, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

They remained in police custody as of last night.

Anyone who witnessed this incident and who has not already spoken to police is asked to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 44190194969.