POLICE are hunting an axe-wielding robber today after a group of youngsters were held-up in an Ipswich street.The robbery happened in Birkfield Drive about 1.

POLICE are hunting an axe-wielding robber today after a group of youngsters were held-up in an Ipswich street.

As revealed on The Evening Star website yesterday, the robbery happened in Birkfield Drive about 1.15am on Sunday as a 19-year-old man, 19-year-old woman and 20-year-old woman walked along the street, near Stone Lodge Lane.

The group was approached by a man holding an axe across his chest who demanded they all hand over their personal possessions.

The man threatened them and, fearing for their safety, the group handed over a mobile phone and cash. The offender used the phone to call a taxi and when one arrived a short while later one of the group managed to take the axe from him and pushed him to the ground.

The taxi driver didn't wait and drove off.

Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident to contact them and are particularly keen to speak to the taxi driver who is described as driving a large people carrier.

Officers are carrying out inquiries with taxi firms in the area.

The offender is described as a white male, 5ft 10in, aged 17 to 19 and of medium build.

He wore a black baseball cap, grey hooded top and blue jogging bottoms tugged into white socks.

Anyone with information should call Pc Jo Williams at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.