A TWENTY-FIVE year old woman and her son were left shaken after they were attacked at a Southampton park.

The woman had taken her five-year-old son to the park at Midanbury Lane and Cobden Avenue on Wednesday afternoon and was about to leave when they were robbed.

The woman put her bag down as she tied her son's shoelaces. She told police how she was pushed forward and landed on her son but by the time she stood up the bag had gone.

The blue nylon satchel with Learning Library written on it contained two bookkeeping ledgers for a local pre-school but police say the thief may have stolen it believing it contained a laptop.

Investigating officer PC Ben Atkinson said: "The woman had been doing some paperwork in the park while her son played. It was as they tried to leave they were assaulted.

"This has left both of them shaken up and the child does not want to go to the park any more. This was an attack using minor violence on a mother and her son so we would appeal for anyone who knows its whereabouts to get in touch."

The thief escaped through bushes at the park and police are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or someone running away from the area with the bag to get in touch.

Anyone with information can contact PC Atkinson at the robbery unit in Southampton on 0845 045 4545.