Award-winning novelist Colum McCann has been assaulted in a Connecticut hotel and hospitalised with significant facial injuries.

News agency AP says the "Let the Great World Spin" author was beaten on Saturday night in New Haven.

Police say witness accounts suggest he may have tried to help a woman in a dispute.

It is understood he was then punched in the face by the man involved in the row.

It is reported he is currently undergoing dental work following the incident.

It is understood Mr. McCann gave information to detectives and they have significant leads they hope will soon lead to an arrest.