A MAN was robbed in a park - as he tried to help a stray dog.

The 21-year-old victim was in Palmerston Park around 9.20pm on Saturday.

As he tried to aid the stray animal, he approached another man for assistance. The person he approached threatened him with violence and demanded his money and phone.

The offender took money and the victim’s mobile phone before walking off towards Sprinkles Gelato on the junction of New Road and Above Bar.

The robber is described as mixed race, of a medium build and approximately 6ft tall. He was in his mid 20s, with short or cropped dark hair, a straight scar on the right side of his neck and was wearing a white jacket with a red t-shirt underneath, jeans with a rip on the right knee and a red beanie hat.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and may have seen what happened or seen either the victim or the offender.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Tom Hewitt at Shirley CID on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.