A MAN has been smashed over the head with a motorbike helmet and robbed at knifepoint after being jumped on his walk home in Southampton.

Two men reportedly wearing balaclavas chased him through the streets of Northam.

One of the men then grabbed the victim and hit him with a helmet.

Holding him up at knifepoint they stole his phone, keys and a bag of tobacco while in in Princes Court.

His attackers are believed to have been waiting in ambush as the man walked along the River Itchen boardwalk in St Denys.

According to police the incident happened between 10pm and 11pm on Sunday.

Labour councillor for Portswood, John Savage has described the attack as a tragic and despicable crime.

The councillor is warning people returning from parties over the festive period to be vigilant.

Cllr Savage believes that residents should avoid making their way through thoroughfares where robbers may be lying in wait.

He added: "There seems to have been an increase on low level opportunistic crimes. Mainly cars, sheds getting broken into.

"It's a great shame as St Denys has a wonderful community feel with good people and some great pubs. Local residents need to feel safer.

"We desperately need more police in the area.

"People need to be alert to this risk and avoid dangerous areas and travelling alone over the festive period."

A police spokesperson said: "I can confirm that at 12.16am today (December 23) we received a report of a robbery that took place sometime between 10pm and 11pm in Princes Court, Southampton.

"A man was pursued on foot by two men. One of the men grabbed him and hit him over the head with a motorcycle helmet before the other man, believed to be holding a knife, went on to steal his mobile phone, a key and a bag of tobacco."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 44190459394 or alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.