A shopping night held in aid of the National Trust descended into violence when two unwelcome guests tried to help themselves to drinks.

The incident unfolded around 7.35 p.m on Tuesday night at the Astwood Dickinson jewellery store in Front Street, Hamilton.

According to a Police spokesman: "It appears that during a function at the premises two uninvited men attempted to get drinks but were denied by the bartender. One of the men then allegedly threw a cup of water at a male patron and also spat at him before leaving; however the offender was subsequently arrested in the City of Hamilton on an unrelated matter.

"The complainant in this matter indicated that he did not wish to proceed with a formal complaint."