DETECTIVES are investigating after a man was found injured in the back of a parked van.

Officers discovered the 29-year-old victim in Oakwood Drive, on the Upper Norwood border, after a member of the public heard noises from the vehicle.

The fire service and the London Ambulance Service were also called to the scene following the discovery of the man just before 1am last Friday.

The victim was treated for minor injuries and local neighbourhood officers have increased their patrols in the area to reassure the community.

Earlier that evening Lambeth police received reports at 8.40pm of a man being assaulted by a group of men in Tulse Hill.

The group then carried the man into the back of a white Ford transit van and drove away.

Police are linking the two incidents.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information on either of the incidents, is asked call police on 0208 649 2058. Alternatively, make an anonymous call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.