A MIDDLE-AGED man was stabbed as he walked through a Southampton park today, police said.

The incident happened as the 53-year-old walked along Park Walk near to the entrance with East Park in thecity centre at around 2.20pm.

The victim had walked through the park and as he reached Park Walk, he was involved in a row with another man unknown to him, a spokesman for Hampshire Police said.

He appears to have used some kind of implement that caused a stab wound to his victim's lower back.

The injury was described as serious but not life threatening and the man was treated at Southampton General Hospital.

The offender is described as white, aged between 25 to 30, 5ft 11in to 6ft, and of medium to heavy build.

He had a ginger beard and was wearing a dark coloured tracksuit style top and bottoms and a black woolly hat or cap.

Following the incident, he ran through the park in the direction of New Road.

The city centre was busy at the time with shoppers and other members of the public who were walking through the parks.

Investigating officers are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, or anyone who saw the offender in the area before or immediately afterwards to contact them on 101, or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.