Portsmouth police issue warning after robbers ambush man selling iPhone on Facebook Marketplace

The attack took place on Monday at Bransbury Park, in Eastney, Portsmouth.

The 20-year-old victim, a man from Southsea, had advertised his iPhone and Apple Watch for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

The seller was contacted by a prospective buyer online and arranged to meet them in the park.

But the unwitting victim was ambushed by a pair of men, who threatened him with a knife and stole his electronics.

He was unhurt during the attack. But police have now urged people to be careful when selling goods online.

Portsmouth south Inspector Louise Tester said: ‘We are asking those buying and selling online to be cautious and report to us if you’ve seen or been involved in anything that has made you feel uncomfortable or suspicious.

‘If someone’s message or profile seems suspicious, trust your instincts and walk away. Wherever possible, use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.

‘If you do meet someone to buy or sell an item then make sure you do so in a safe public place, such as your local police station.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport placed in tier three

A police spokeswoman said police are investigating the attack at Bransbury Park.

Those with information about the robbery are urged to call 101 and quote reference 44200481531.

Officers are also urging anyone who has experienced something that seemed suspicious to report it either via 101 or, if an emergency, 999.

For more information and advice, or to report fraud, see: actionfraud.police.uk

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as our new Puzzles section.