POLICE are hunting moped riders who launched a series of 'drive-by' muggings on pedestrians in Southampton in the early hours.

Victims were targeted in four robberies and attacks each staged by two people riding on a small motorcycle.

Now police are stepping up their enquiries to find the riders and urge anyone who witnessed the muggings to contact them immediately.

They say it is too early to determine whether the incidents are linked but are warning people to stay vigilant while walking at night - or to stay safe by taking taxis or public transport.

A 48-year-old man was walking from Oxford Street in Southampton towards Harefield in the early hours of Sunday, August 14, when he was approached from behind by two people on a moped who assaulted him and stole his wallet.

A group of 17-year-old boys were walking home along Meadowside Close at around 12.20am on Friday, August 19 when two people on a moped approached, threatening them and demanding their belongings.

The boys refused and were subsequently assaulted by the riders before they zoomed off.

In the same night, an 18-year-old man was walking along Spring Road at around 4.14am when he was assaulted by two people on a moped and forced to hand over cash before the teenager fled.

A 22-year-old man was walking along Butts Road between 3-4am on Saturday, August 20, when a moped came up behind him and two people on it assaulted him.

Nothing was stolen and the riders went off in the direction of Thornhill.

Detective Inspector Nick Plummer said: “These incidents happened in the early hours of the morning.

"We appreciate not many people would have been around, but if you heard or saw anything suspicious in these locations we want to hear from you.

“We are actively investigating each report and linking where evidentially appropriate.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of their personal safety.

"If it’s very late at night consider taking a taxi or bus ride home, don’t carry too much cash on you and arrange to walk with a friend at the very least."

Witnesses should contact police on 101 quoting 44160304599 for the Oxford Street to Harefield incident, 44160310861 for the Meadowside Close attack, 44160311430 for the Spring Road robbery and 44160312927 for the Butts Road assault.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.