British police have confirmed that they have arrested former Manchester United great Eric Cantona and cautioned him for assaulting a man in London.

Cantona was briefly taken into custody following the incident that happened in the Primrose Hill area of north London on Wednesday.

When asked about Cantona's arrest, police confirmed "a man in his mid-40s was arrested on suspicion of common assault. He was taken into custody and subsequently cautioned for common assault."

Police said the victim did not require medical assistance.

Cantona, who became a beach soccer coach and an actor after retiring, did not answer a message left on his mobile phone.

In 1995, he was banned for eight months by the Football Association for attempting a kung fu kick at a Crystal Palace fan.