A YOUNG deaf man was slashed and robbed after being confronted by a gang of thugs at a Southampton bus stop.

The 21-year-old suffered a deep knife-wound to his hand as he struggled to fend off a gang of seven young people, including a girl, who stole his mobile phone and cash as he waited for a bus in Lordshill.

Police said the vibrating phone acted as the victim's main form of communication.

It enabled him to receive text messages from other deaf people and to let his father know he was all right.

Detectives believe the man was deliberately targeted by the gang, who were aware he was profoundly deaf, having approached him in an alleyway before the attack.

Today DC Simon Baker, of Shirley CID, investigating the incident, said: "This was a particularly callous crime committed against a very vulnerable young man who was left traumatised. We would appeal for members of the public and the residents of Lordshill to come forward and assist us with our inquiries."

Police said the victim was set upon as he stood at a bus stop near playing fields in Aldermoor Road between 9.45pm and 10.30pm on Wednesday.

It is believed the gang, aged between 16 and 21, first approached him on a footpath between Tangmere Drive and Aldermoor Road

He tried to explain that he was unable to hear.

The victim was then followed to the bus stop, where he was pushed to the ground and robbed.

Police said he was slashed across the hand as he tried to get up, causing a cut which went right through to the bone.

The distressed victim managed to walk to a friend's house to raise the alarm. Police said he lived in Swindon but had been staying in Southampton this week. Last night he was being comforted by relatives.

Detectives were today hunting four white youths, two black youths and a white female.

One male was white, 5ft 6in tall, average build, and wore a hat and black zip-up jacket.

A second was black, 6ft 2in tall, thin build with a thin face. He wore an Adidas hooded coat with a white stripe down the sleeve.

He also carried a small bag or rucksack on his back.

The girl was aged about 17, 5ft 6in tall, slightly plump, with light brown and blonde hair tied back.

She wore a black jacket, tight white knee-length trousers and Nike trainers.

Anyone with information about the attack on the young man is urged to contact Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545 or the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

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