A man was pummelled over the head in the latest of a string of late-night muggings in Finsbury Park.

The 39-year-old victim was sitting on a bench near the running track on the Manor House side of the park between 3am and 3.30am on Saturday when a gang of five or six youths approached.

After he refused to empty his pockets they hit him over the head with a blunt metal object, leaving him with a graze and swelling to his face.

The suspects, who fled the scene empty handed, are described as being black men, with three of them aged in their late teens while the others looked much younger.

But police are now urging park users to be extra vigilant after two other similar incidents.

A 19-year-old man was robbed of his watch and cash near the exit on Endymion Road, at about 10pm on Sunday, October 2, by what he said were two black men aged about 20-25 and wearing dark clothing.

And then on Saturday, October 8, a man in his 20s was also robbed of his wallet, phone and bag near the running truck.

The suspects are thought to be two black men and two white men. One of the white men is described as being aged about 16-18, between 5ft 9ins to 5ft 11ins and wearing a white tracksuit.

Det Ch Insp Lee Presland, of Haringey CID, said: “There is currently no evidence to suggest that the incidents are linked, however, we are keeping an open mind.”

Enquiries are ongoing and there have been no arrests so far.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Sgt Noel Stoddart on 020 8345 0870 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.