A YOUTH threatened a Hampshire bus driver with a kitchen knife before making off with his cash bag.

Hedge End police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery on the Solent Blue Line number 26 bus at 8.50pm yesterday.

The drama unfolded when the driver stopped at a bus stop in Turnpike Way, Hedge End, to pick up four youths.

Once on board the bus, one of the youths started talking to the driver and then pulled out a kitchen knife with a four- to six-inch blade. He threatened the driver with the knife and grabbed his money bag.

The four youths - all dressed casually in hooded tops - then left the bus and ran off towards the nearby B&Q store.

The teenager with the knife was described as white, aged about 15, 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, and wearing a light-coloured jacket.

Police believe all four are local to Hedge End and are appealing for anyone who knows their identity to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "Someone - a parent, friend or girlfriend - knows these youths and it's in everyone's interests they are dealt with quickly."

Call PC Michael Connaught at Hedge End police station on 0845 045 4545.