FORMER Manchester United manager David Moyes is being investigated over an allegation he assaulted a man at a wine bar in Clitheroe.

The incident is said to have happened outside the Emporium in Moor Lane at around 10pm on Wednesday.

The girlfriend of the alleged victim said her partner had been left ‘shocked’ by the incident.

The alleged victim is Josh Gillibrand, 23, from St Peter’s Close, Salesbury.

His girlfriend, Katie Jackson, said: “He is in shock as is all his family and everyone who loves him.

“So much has happened in the last 24 hours and all our heads are swimming.

“I can’t come to terms with what has happened.”

Mr Moyes, who was sacked as manager of Manchester United last month after a disappointing season, was seen eating at a restaurant, Piccolino, with two men before heading to the wine bar across the road.

It is understood that Mr Moyes had been socialising in the bar with Blackburn Rovers managing director Derek Shaw who was on the board at Preston North End when the Scotsman was in charge at Deepdale.

MORE TOP STORIES:

And it is believed another man also joined the party at the wine bar.

Commentators believe the meeting was purely social.

Lancashire Telegraph:

In a statement Lancashire Police said: “Officers attended the bar at about 10pm and it was reported that a 23-year-old local man had been assaulted by a 51-year-old man.

“He did not require hospital treatment.

“Inquiries are ongoing and we are speaking to a number of people to try to establish the circumstances.

“There are a number of differing accounts which we need to work through to try to establish exactly what has happened.

“No-one has been arrested at this stage."

A spokesman for the Emporium said: "There was an incident outside the building.

“However, it did not affect any of our customers or staff and has been dealt with by the police."

Les Hind, owner of the Castle Chippy near the Emporium said: “I saw David Moyes and two men go into Piccolino opposite the wine bar at about 7.30pm on Wednesday night.

“I’ve never seen him in Clitheroe before but I know that a lot of footballers do go into the restaurant on a regular basis.

“There are never any fights outside the Emporium and it’s quite an upmarket place.”

The manger of Piccolino, which is across the road from the wine bar, said: “David Moyes came into the restaurant on Wednesday night and had a meal.

“He was very nice and the group kept themselves to themselves.

“They tipped at the end of the meal and then left.”

One source said Mr Moyes has been at the Aspinall Arms earlier in the evening before going into Clitheroe.

Moyes was among several names linked with the vacant Celtic managerial position after Neil Lennon stepped down yesterday as boss of the Scottish champions.

He has formerly managed Everton and Preston North End, and played as a centre half for a number of clubs including Celtic.