DETECTIVES want to interview snooker wild man Alex Higgins over an incident in which a photographer was assaulted in Clifton last night.

The national newspaper lensman is alleged to have been attacked by the former world champion as he attempted to take his photograph.

Peter Wilcock of the Daily Star is reported to have been injured when a heavy luggage trolley was thrown at him. Higgins is then alleged to have then rained blows on the snapper's back and head before running away.

Police say the incident happened outside a caravan in Conway Avenue, Clifton, where Higgins has been living. The caravan is parked in the front garden of the home of his former girlfriend, Holly Haise.

Mr Wilcock suffered cuts and bruises and was released from Salford's Hope Hospital late last night.

Detectives today confirmed that the photographer has now made an official complaint.

Det Chief Insp Kenny Caldwell said: "We will be seeking to interview Mr Higgins to establish his side of the story before deciding whether or not there is a case for prosecution."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.