POLICE are investigating claims that rugby union ace Rob Andrew was punched in the face in a confrontation at a top tennis tournament.

The attack happened during the prestigious Northumberland Tennis Open at the North Jesmond Avenue club, in Newcastle.

It is believed a spectator was involved in the clash which left the 43-year-old former England star Newcastle Falcons director of rugby with facial injuries.

The bust-up happened in a public area of the Northumberland Tennis Club shortly after 7pm on Wednesday.

However, Northumbria police were alerted later when the former international fly-half reported he had been assaulted.

A police spokesman said: "We have received a complaint from a 43-year-old man over an assault at Northumberland Tennis Club.

"Inquiries are continuing and no arrest has been made at this stage."

Mr Andrew suffered minor injuries and bruising in the fracas, which is being treated as a common assault.

It is not known whether he knew his attacker or the assailant was a stranger in the crowd.

A spokeswoman at the Northumberland club declined to comment about the incident while police investigations are underway.

No-one was immediately available from the Northumberland Lawn Tennis Association to comment either.