A BUS driver is recovering after being violently assaulted by three men, when he refused to hand over cash.

The men boarded the Thamesdown Bus at 6.20pm on Tuesday at the bus stop outside the Link Centre in West Swindon.

The three men demanded money from the 34-year old male bus driver.

And when he refused they launched a vicious attack, punching him repeatedly in the face and head.

The men fled in the direction of the West Swindon Shopping Centre with £7.90 in cash.

The victim was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital, suffering from concussion, bruising and swelling and has since been discharged.

The three black male suspects are described as:

Aged in 20s, 6ft 2in tall, slim build and wearing a red hooded top

Aged 18 to 20, short black hair, 5ft 8in tall, wearing glasses and a black hooded coat

Aged about 18, well built, wearing a green polo shirt and green jacket.

Managing director of Thamesdown Transport, John Owen, said: "Firstly I am pleased to say that incidents such as this are very rare in Swindon.

"We are incensed by what happened and I am sure that most people would be sympathetic. All of our buses are equipped with two-way radios and some of our vehicles have CCTV cameras.

"On the rare occasions when incidents like this have occurred we have a superb record of catching the offenders concerned."

Detective Constable Bob Cooper, who is investigating the case, said: "We believe these men to be local and hope that their despicable actions will prey on the conscience of someone who knows their identity.

"We would like to hear from passengers on board the bus at the time of the assault and any other person who can help with our enquiries."

Witnesses are asked to contact DC Cooper at Westlea Police Station on Swindon 528111.