Man, 29, arrested after rough sleepers fight in Southsea

Police were called to Palmerston Road, near the library, this afternoon following reports of the incident.

An eyewitness, from Southsea, said an encampment has been outside the library for the past few weeks.

'˜It seemed to be two men from different groups who were fighting by the library,' the 60-year-old said.

'˜All their belongings were on the street with sleeping bags so it did appear to be people sleeping rough.

'˜There were dogs there too and the fight had been going on for quite a long time before police arrived.'

The witness, who asked not to be named, said a lone police officer arrived first and seemed to be assaulted by one of the group.

Quickly after, more officers arrived.

He added: '˜Since more rough sleepers have come to Palmerston Road, people living here don't feel safe.'

Police arrested a 29-year-old man from Southsea and he remains in custody.

A spokesman said: '˜We were called at 12.50pm to reports of a public order incident involving a group of people in Palmerston Road, near the library.

'˜It was also reported that two men were fighting one another during the incident.

'˜Enquiries into the circumstances are on-going.'