SEVEN university students were attacked in a Southampton park by a gang who shouted at them: “This is our turf”.

The victims, six male and one female, were sat in the playground area of Southampton Common when they were attacked by a gang of up to eight men.

Injuries inflicted on the victims, all in their early 20s, included a broken nose, cuts and bruises.

Police are linking the attack to one an hour earlier in which a man was left with a broken jaw and another with cuts and bruises after being attacked by a gang in Southampton.

The two victims, in their early 30s, had been walking towards Leisure World in West Quay Road when they were attacked by a group of black and mixed race men.

In both cases, the gang then drove off in a car, described as small, new and red. Police believe a small, dark, old car was also involved.

A 20-year-old male has been arrested and bailed until July 27.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents, which took place at 3.30am and 4.20am on May 30, is urged to contact police on 0845 045 4545 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.