DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after a robber subjected a female taxi driver to a horrifying ordeal by holding eight-inch knife to her throat before running off with her takings.

DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after a robber subjected a female taxi driver to a horrifying ordeal by holding eight-inch knife to her throat before running off with her takings.

The 31-year-old woman, who works for the Newmarket based Crystal Cars, was left traumatised following the robbery in the early hours of Sunday morning.

She had just dropped off a customer when the knifeman flagged her down along Noel Murless Drive, in Newmarket, at around 12.40am.

As she pulled over the man asked to be taken to Fordham village and got into the rear of the cab. As the taxi passed St Felix School on Fordham Road the man pulled out an eight-inch blade and held it to the terrified driver's throat.

He then ordered her to pull over at the entrance to the George Lampton Playing Field and demanded her night's takings. The robber fled across the playing field with the cash.

Last night owner of Crystal Cars Adrian Jenkins talked of his disgust over the attack. He said: "I am absolutely disgusted something like this can happen to one of my drivers, she was just out trying to earn a living like anyone else.

"I just don't understand what sort of person can hold a knife to a woman's throat and then run off with her money. Everyone here is shocked and concerned something like this can happen to one of our colleagues. It is hard to know what we can do about it because drivers are vulnerable when out on their own because you never know who you are picking up.

"Nothing like this has happened to us before and we just hope it is not a sign of things to come. The main thing is the driver survived, we are all relieved she was not hurt."

Det-con Clare Bennett said: "This was an extremely traumatic ordeal for the female taxi driver.

"If anybody was in the area and witnessed the attack, or a lone man by the roadside prior to the attack, I would urge you to contact us as a matter of urgency."

The man is described as approximately 19, of slim build and has short dark brown hair. He was wearing dark trousers, a dark plain T-shirt and white trainers with a coloured pattern on the side.

Anyone with any information should contact Suffolk police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.