A 47 year-old Paget man was the victim of an assault at 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Henry VIII restaurant in Southampton.

The victim was a passenger in a car that was about to enter the parking area of the restaurant as three motorcycles were exiting.

One of the cycles passed on the nearside of the car, almost causing a collision. In response, the passenger used a hand gesture towards the rider.

All three motorcycles then turned around and the rider that nearly caused the collision got off his cycle, removed his helmet and struck the victim in the face with the helmet.

As a result, the driver of the vehicle, a 54 year old Smith's man, got out of his car and punched the suspect in the face.

The suspect then made good his escape with the two other motorcyclists. The suspect is described as a dark skinned male, approximately 5'8 tall, weighing 150-160 pounds, wearing a white t-shirt and a black helmet and riding a red scooter type cycle.

An ambulance attended the victim and he was treated by paramedics at the scene. His injuries are not believed to be serious.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to this incident or anyone with any information to contact the Somerset Criminal Investigation Unit on 234-1010.