POLICE have launched a hunt after a serious of ‘despicable’ robberies in a city park.

Four robberies are said to have taken place last weekend in the Riverside Park area.

Victims were threatened and attacked and police have now increased their patrols.

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith, branded the people who committed the crimes “rotten people” saying he hopes that they are caught.

He said: “It is beyond despicable. These are just nasty horrible people who are stealing from people who are just going around their business.

“I hope that the police catch them quickly, and that they charge them with everything that they can, and I hope the courts give them the most severe penalties that they can.”

Ward councillor for Bitterne Park, David Fuller, referred to the crimes as “worrying”.

He said: “Riverside Park is one of the jewels in our city’s crown.

“People should be vigilant when walking in the park and report anything of concern.

“The sooner the culprits are caught and brought to justice the better.”

Police have now released details of all four incidents in the hope that witnesses will come forward.

The first incident took place between 5.30pm and 6pm on Saturday.

An 18-year-old man, was walking through Riverside Park from Cobden Bridge when he was approached by a group of five males.

He was then threatened and attacked, sustaining minor injuries to his jaw, before having his air pods stolen.

The second incident happened around 5pm on Sunday.

The victims, three men aged 18, 20 and 22 were walking through Riverside Park when they were approached by a group of up to twelve males.

One of the men was threatened and chased after he ran off towards Wessex Lane.

Another victim was threatened before his necklace, glasses and rings were stolen.

The third incident took place at around 5.57pm on Sunday.

A 13-year-old boy, was walking with his scooter over Cobden Bridge when he was followed by a group of four or five males.

The group approached the boy and threatened him before stealing his scooter, coat and bag containing a phone.

The fourth incident took place at 11.30pm on Sunday.

Two men aged 20 and 21, were walking past the children’s cycle training area in Riverside Park when they were approached by a group of six or seven males.

The males threatened the victims before assaulting them both and taking cash from the 20-year-old victim.

The 21-year-old suffered a broken eye socket and nose.