A PEDESTRIAN was left in hospital after two moped riders hit him in the head with a bat in a late-night robbery.

The 22-year-old man was approached by the men, who asked him for a cigarette and attacked him when he refused.

The rider of the moped had his face covered but was not wearing a crash helmet and the pillion passenger was wearing a helmet.

Police say the victim's grey Adidas bag, which contained cash and keys, was stolen after the attack, which happened on Montague Avenue between 11.35pm and 11.45pm on Friday, August 4.

The riders then fled the scene on what is described as being a blue and white moped.

Detective Constable Donna McKay said: "Were you in the Montague Avenue area of Bitterne late last night?

"Do you remember seeing two people on a blue and white moped, possibly carrying a grey Adidas bag? If so, we would like to hear from you.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to remind pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings, particularly if they see a moped approach with a rider and a pillion passenger."

The victim was taken to Southampton General Hospital and given treatment for a head injury and was later discharged.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 44170300972, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.