A MANHUNT is under way to find the armed hoody who stabbed and beat a 21-year-old man in a city centre park.

The victim was in Watts Park, Southampton, when the attacker barred his way and demanded his wallet and phone.

When he refused to hand them over the man punched him in the face and slashed his chest open with a blade.

Despite his wounds the victim made it home where ambulance workers later treated him.

The foiled robbery attempt took place shortly before 1am yesterday.

The attacker is thought to be white, aged about 30, 6ft and skinny.

He is also said to have sunken brown eyes and black stubble.

He was wearing a grey hoody with a blue logo, dark coloured tracksuit bottoms and had a silver chain bracelet on his right wrist.

Detective Constable Russell Bennett, of the street robbery investigation team, said: “This was a nasty attempted robbery by someone who is obviously willing to use a knife. It was just luck that the victim wasn’t more seriously injured.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area of Watts Park and Above Bar at this time who may have seen or heard this assault take place to contact me.”

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who remembers seeing anyone enter or exit Watts Park with a similar description to that of the offender.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Bennett at Hulse Road on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.