POLICE investigating the robbery of an elderly man, who was left for dead on a compost heap, are calling on the public to help catch those responsible.

Dennis Tierney, 70, was robbed at knifepoint for mere £8 by a pair of thugs.

They punched him and left him covered up on a compost heap in Riverside Park, where he remained throughout the night in freezing temperatures.

Dennis was back at his home in Bitterne Park yesterday reflecting on the ordeal and after spending four nights in a hospital recovery ward. He could not understand why the robbers were so cruel.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Dennis, who has suffered four heart attacks, said: "I am on the mend now but I did think my time was up when I was laying on that compost heap." His wife of 46 years, Maureen, added: "I thought we had lost him.

"It makes me angry that they did what they did to him, even after he handed over the money he had on him. It wasn't as if he was going to run after them, he isn't capable.

"We both love walking in that park but that has been taken away from us now."

Officers from the Robbery Investigation Unit leading the inquiry have vowed not to rest until they find the pair who attacked Mr Tierney, a grandfather of two.

Dozens of posters have now been circulated in the area surrounding Riverside Park in Bitterne Park in an effort to get potential witnesses to come forward. Leaflets are also being delivered to houses surrounding the park, including addresses on Manor Farm Road.

Police are also planning to revisit the scene of the crime tomorrow afternoon, one week on from when Mr Tierney was attacked.

Det Con Joe Stock said: "We are doing our utmost to get as many people who may have been in the area at the time to come forward.

"They may not even know what they saw was significant so we are asking anyone who was in the vicinity of the park about 3.45pm on February 2 to come forward."

The two people who attacked Mr Tierney were described as in their mid-20s, wearing dark hooded tops. The knife used in the attack was described as a stiletto blade of up to six inches in length.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at Hulse Road in Southampton on 0845 045 4545.