A HUNT has been launched for a man who robbed an injured an 82-year-old woman in a Southampton park.

The victim was walking through Watts Park on New Year's Day having just been for a coffee with a friend.

She entered the park via the junction of Above Bar Street and Commercial Road before a man approached her and grabbed her bag, knocking her to the ground in the process.

The woman was taken to hospital and suffered a fractured shoulder and heavy bruising.

Police say the man was described as being young and five feet seven inches tall, and was chased by another man who tried to help the victim.

Detective constable Martin Brewer from the Western Investigation Team at Southampton's central police station said: "We are really keen to speak to the man who chased after the suspect and any other person who was in Watts Park in New Year's Day who saw this incident or saw a man running through the park or along the surrounding roads.

"This was a cowardly crime against a vulnerable member of the community who was simply walking through the park with a friend.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 44180000667, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.