AN investigation has been launched after a woman was threatened with a pole and robbed by two men in Southampton.

The 19-year-old was walking alone on Portsmouth Road, Southampton, when she passed two men with their faces covered at the junction of Wrights Hill.

Police say the two men then allegedly threatened her with a 2ft metal pole and demanded money.

She was able to run off but they caught up with her and asked her for money again.

She handed them £30 and the men ran off.

Officers say the first man is described as white, of large build, around 5ft 9ins tall, and was wearing dark clothing.

The second man is described as white, of smaller build, around 5ft 7ins tall, and was wearing dark clothing.

DC Daniel Farrell said: "This was a frightening robbery on a lone woman. I’d like to reassure that this is a rare type of incident and thankfully no-one was hurt.

"I'm appealing to anyone who was in the area at this time, or was driving past to remember is they saw anyone in the area holding a metal pole? Did you see two men with their faces covered? Or hear or see anything suspicious to contact police on 101, quoting 44140337383."

If you have any information please contact Southampton CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.