A man has been arrested after allegedly trying to steal alcohol on board a Red Funnel car ferry and attacking a member of staff.

Picture by Friendly Cabs

Police were called at 10.15am today (Tuesday) to the East Cowes Red Funnel car ferry terminal following an incident on the sailing from Southampton.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: "It has been reported that a man had attempted to steal alcohol on board but was challenged by staff, and when he was asked to leave the ferry he became obstructive and a member of staff was assaulted.

"A 35-year-old man from Newport has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasional actual bodily harm, attempted theft and attempted assault of an emergency worker."

A spokesperson from Red Funnel said: “An incident with a disruptive passenger occurred on aboard the Red Eagle. Police were called, and the passenger was arrested in East Cowes. This is now a police matter and we are supporting them with their investigation.”