Man robbed after Grindr date

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Police are investigating after a man was allegedly robbed by a person he met on popular gay dating app Grindr.

It is unknown when the incident occurred but it is believed a weapon may have been used. It is now being investigated by Auckland City police.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman of Auckland City Police said the incident "appears linked to a connection made between parties through the social network app, Grindr", GayNZ.com reported.

The attack is one in a spate of assaults and robberies of gay men, many of which were carried out early last year.

In March 2015 one man was behind a string of violent robberies of men he targeted through the dating app.

Police said he struck at least three times with the violence escalating until he threatened his last victim with a machete.

No arrests have been made following the attacks, GayNZ.com reported.

Mr Newman said anyone using dating sites' hook-up apps should be cautious and aware of personal safety. He recommended app users take a friend or someone for company when meeting with a person for the first time.He also recommended meeting in public areas.

"It's important to plan ahead and be careful. Always tells a friend where you are going and who you are meeting up with, and ensure they have your contact details," he said.