A TEENAGE binman suffered cuts to his face and arms after a razor-wielding attacker slashed at him while he was working in a children's play park.

The 18-year-old Fareham Borough Council worker had been emptying the bins in the playground just off Clydesdale Road in Whiteley when he was approached by a man.

The victim told police how the attacker crept up behind him before asking whether he had a cigarette lighter.

When the worker said no, the man suddenly produced what officers believe was a razor blade and began slashing at him.

The frenzied attack left the teenager with cuts to his face and upper arms as he tried to defend himself. Fortunately his injuries were superficial and they did not require hospital treatment.

The attack happened sometime between 9am and 9.30am yesterday morning at the park, which is between Suffolk Drive and Java Drive.

A police spokesman said fortunately there were no children present in the park at the time of the attack despite it occurring during the school summer holidays.

Fareham Borough Council leader, Cllr Sean Woodward, called the attack disgraceful and shocking and urged local residents with any information to get in touch with the police.

He added: "I'm absolutely appalled that such a thing should happen in Whiteley and particularly in a children's playground.

"I understand that it was a completely random incident and that our employee was doing nothing more than trying to empty the bin when the man decided to target him."

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "This was a disturbing attack that happened in broad daylight in a location frequently used by young children.

"We would urge anyone who has any information about this incident, or who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed something, to get in touch."