POLICE hunting a knifeman who slashed a taxi driver with a four-inch blade today appealed for information which could track down the thug.

The attack happened in the Winchester Road area of Chandler's Ford after the Asian cabby had picked up two white males in the Hill Lane area of Southampton.

The taxi driver - police are not naming him - had been subjected to racial abuse during the journey to Chandler's Ford.

But an argument over the cost of the fare turned nasty when the cabby dropped his two passengers just past the Central Precinct - even though he refunded their money in an attempt to calm the situation.

PC Julie Swainston said that one man started pulling the driver's T-shirt, trying to get him out of the car.

When the driver did leave his vehicle he was struck a glancing blow in the face. One thug produced a blade and started slashing the taxi driver's arms, which he had raised to protect his face.

The knifeman is described as about 6ft, very thin with a skinhead haircut, gaunt face, small eyes, sunken cheeks and a long square jaw. He was wearing a blue shirt, dark jeans and a long light coat with toggle fastenings - possibly a duffle coat.

His friend is described as aged 24 to 25, 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in, medium build with curtain-style brown hair. He was wearing a white shirt and jeans. He was well spoken with a local accent.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact PC Julie Swainston at Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 4545.