POLICE are investigating a serious assault in which a rugby player was left injured at a Barrow ground ahead of a game.

Barrow police are probing an assault which took place at the Roose Pioneers Redwaters ground in Barrow, on Saturday lunch time ahead of the Barrow Island v Walney A rugby league fixture.

It had been said that the male Walney player received a stabbing injury when he was assaulted by a man near to the changing rooms at the ground. However, police have not confirmed whether the victim was stabbed.

The player was taken to hospital and was understood to have had stitches.

Barrow CID have said: "We are investigating a serious assault at Roose Pioneers, in Barrow.

"A male was injured during the assault."

The Evening Mail contacted Walney Central ARLFC. Walney chairman, Shaun Morrow, had not been at the ground, but said he was "horrified" about the incident. Mr Morrow said he is pleased that the player is OK.

Shaun McPoland, chairman Roose Pioneers ARLFC said: "Although an unfortunate incident has taken place at our ground, the matter is in no way connected to our club or any member or supporter of Roose Pioneers .

"The game was taking place at Redwaters as Barrow Island had approached us for loan of a pitch, due to theirs being unfit to play two games in one day."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Barrow CID on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.