A park warden was attacked by two thugs who bundled him into his own hut and locked him inside in a terrifying robbery at Waterlow Park.

The man was hit over the head with bolt cutters last Wednesday, suffering a three-inch cut to his forehead, at about 8.15pm, shortly before the Highgate park closed.

The attackers covered his face before forcing him into the aviary depot – where takings from the tennis courts are kept.

They locked the door from the outside and made off with the tennis money.

The park attendant called for help and was eventually freed when somebody walking past heard the cries and broke into the depot.

He is now recovering from the ordeal and has yet to return to work.

Ceridwen Roberts, co-chairman of the Friends of Waterlow Park, said: “This is a very rare event – in the years I have been associated with the park, I can’t remember an assault of this kind.”

Two suspects were arrested and bailed.