A 36-year-old Mossman man has been arrested and charged after an alleged fork attack at a restaurant in Cairns last night.

Police were called to a Sheridan Street restaurant around 9:00pm after the man allegedly walked into the venue and sat down at a table where two customers were dining.

“The man then began yelling and swearing at diners before being asked to leave by management,” he said.

“The man then threatened the manager before attempting to assault him, fortunately for him a nearby bystander jumped up and tried to restrain the man.”

The man then broke free and allegedly assaulted the bystander.

“The Mossman man then armed himself with a fork and managed to stab the manager with that fork in the shoulder.

“Unfortunately the manager sustained a significant laceration to his shoulder.

"Obviously that's pretty concerning behaviour,” Constable Cornish said.

It is further alleged the man then walked to the front of the restaurant and threw a number of items including a pot plant at the front door causing it to smash before walking away from the scene.

Police used CCTV to locate the man a short time later at a nearby licensed venue. 

Constable Cornish said the incident is believed to be random and unprovoked.

“Police investigations have revealed that he actually has no relationship with anyone inside the restaurant or any workers.

“It appears a completely random, unpredictable incident,” he said.

The Mossman man was arrested and charged with one count each of wounding, entering a premises with intent to commit an indictable offence, assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed, and wilful damage.

He is scheduled to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court today.