POLICE are investigating a series of assaults with a gas canister at a Hampshire music festival.

Officers have today revealed four women were attacked at Southampton Soundclash, held in Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh.

The women, aged between 24 and 26, were punched and hit with a gas canister by a man who was selling nitrous oxide, or laughing gas.

All four women sustained injuries to their faces that required stitches.

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man from Essex in connection with the incident and he has been bailed until November 19.

The attacks took place between 6.30pm and 7pm on Saturday, September 26.

DC Stephen Ashe of the Western Investigations Team said: “Whilst this was generally a safe and enjoyable event for those who attended, a number of women have been subjected to, on two separate occasions, an assault by a male. Witnesses describe members of the crowd intervening and holding back the male responsible.

“I am eager to speak with anyone that did this, or witnessed any of the assaults. Please call 101 and quote 44150334993.”