A MAN was robbed at knife-point in broad daylight alongside a busy arterial road into Swindon by a man with "distinctive twisted teeth" just hours before a second robbery was carried out nearby.

Wiltshire Police are now investigating the two robberies which took place on Wootton Bassett Road, near to The Carphone Warehouse on Monday.

Officers have revealed that the first one took place at around 2.50pm when a man was approached by four men as he walked towards Wootton Bassett Road from the Mannington underpass. The men put their hoods up over their heads/faces while one of the group then demanded money whilst holding a knife towards the victim.

The victim handed over cash to the group before they ran off. Although shaken, the victim was not hurt.

The main suspect is described as a white man, 18-years-old, of slim build with distinctive twisted front teeth. He was wearing dark clothing.

The second suspect is described as a dark skinned man, 18-years-old, of broad build and was wearing dark clothing.

The third and fourth men are described as both white, 18-years-old, of slim build and both were wearing dark clothing.

This robbery is being linked to a second robbery which occurred in the same location at around 7.45pm on the same day while a man was walking along the footpath.

During this incident only two men were seen - one white and one mixed race. Again, demands were made whilst a knife was shown to the victim. The man challenged the two and they ran off empty handed. The victim was un-hurt.

Detective Constable Iain Crouch said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in this area at these times.

"There is a busy road which runs past the footpath, I'm sure someone would have seen something.

"I'd like to reassure members of the public that we are carrying out a thorough investigation into this robbery and are putting on extra patrols in this area.

"However, if you can help us with any information please come forward."

If you can help police with their enquiries contact DC Iain Crouch or DC Clare Wyness at Swindon CID on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.