A SPATE of muggings across Southampton saw nine people targeted in just 48 hours, the Daily Echo can reveal.

One man suffered injuries to his ribs after he and his girlfriend were attacked by a gang of six, while another man walking alone in the city was jumped on by four thugs for his mobile phone.

Concerned by the unusually high number of robberies within just two days, police are today warning those who are out walking at night to be extra vigilant and hide any valuables that may attract the attention of would-be thieves.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, two 20-year-olds were walking home along West Quay Road after a night at Mo'club's roller disco when they were surrounded by a group of six men.

Two of the gang started punching the male, while the others managed to get the purse off his girlfriend, before fleeing the area.

The victim suffered bruising and pain to his ribs, but he did not need hospital treatment.

That same morning a man was walking on his own along Cobden Bridge, when he was set upon by a group of four men, who attacked him and stole his mobile phone. He suffered minor injuries.

Around the same time, at 2.15am, two students were approached by a man as they reached the junction of Welbeck Avenue and Shaftsbury Avenue, in Portswood.

They managed to pull away when the man tried to feel into one of their pockets but another appeared and tried to take their headphones.

As the two students managed to walk away, they were chased and one of them was punched in the chin.

The two would-be thieves had their faces covered, one wearing a black coat with the hood up and the other wearing a beanie style hat and a scarf over his face.

DC Chris Moss, who is investigating this case, said: “The incident seemed to end as members of the public were walking towards the location, possibly going home from a night out.

“I'd like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time to contact us, as you may have seen something which could help our investigation.”

Another attempted robbery happened in Wilton Avenue, in the Polygon area of the city, when a man was threatened by a thug demanding money.

He was able to simply ignore the threats and quickly got inside his home, just a few doors away.

Just 24 hours later, two female students, who were walking along Spring Crescent, in Portswood, were assaulted by two women who ran off with both their handbags.

And at the start of the weekend, in the early hours of Friday morning, a man was mugged for his wallet.

The muggings are not being linked due to several differences between each of the cases.

Anyone with any information about any of the incidents should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Where the muggings happened:

  • Forster Road, Portswood - early hours of May 30, man attacked and had his wallet stolen.
  • Cobden Bridge, Bitterne Park - early hours of May 31, one man mugged by a gang of four who stole his mobile phone
  • West Quay Road - early hours of May 31, a couple were approached by a gang of six, two of which attacked the male and another stole the woman's purse
  • Shatfsbury Avenue, Portswood - early hours of May 31, two men attempted to mug two male students
  • Wilton Avenue, the Polygon - early hours of May 31, one man threatened by was able to get away
  • Spring Crescent, Portswood - early hours of June 1, two female students attacked by two women who stole their handbags