A police officer at the property in Middleleaze todayA TAXI driver is recovering today after a terrifying knifepoint attack. The 51-year-old was held in his seat while a passenger slashed his nose and lip with a six-inch kitchen knife.

He was dropping off three men at Shaw Village Centre in Ramleaze just before 2am.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "One of the passengers, a white male, got out of the taxi, went to the driver's side, produced a knife and assaulted the driver while a second male in the rear held the him around the neck."

The victim did not require hospital treatment.

The thugs snatched a green cloth bag containing £20 in cash, keys and a Siemens Orange mobile phone.

A 37-year-old man from Middleleaze was arrested at 6.30am in connection with the robbery.

He was being held in custody at Westlea Police Station.

Police officers were standing guard outside a house in Castleton Road this morning.

An area of the road was sealed off in the early hours while officers searched the property. It was re-opened at 8am.

Residents in the street which is home to several young families - said they weren't shocked by the police activity.

One mother who asked not to be named said there had been raids in the past and is desperate to move away. "There is a lot of trouble here," said the woman, who has lived there for nearly 15 years.

"It's just getting worse and worse.

"I have to watch my daughter when she's playing out in the street because there is always trouble."

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the robbery to get in touch.

The suspects all aged between 20 and 25 years old are:

A 6ft tall white male of slim build who wore a dark blue baseball cap, a dark blue jacket and light grey trousers. He was the knifeman.

A black male who is 5ft 8in tall, of muscular build and wore a dark hooded top.

A black male, 5ft 4in tall, of stocky build who was also wearing a dark hooded top.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information about the suspects, should call Detective Sergeant Deborah Waters of Swindon CID on 01793 528111.

Alternatively, call the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

Lyndsay Scanlan