A BUSINESSMAN'S face was slashed when he was robbed at knifepoint as he made his way to a Newport post office yesterday.

Two men attacked the 55-year-old local businessman, who has not yet been named, in Cardiff Road, Maesglas.

They made off with a bag of cash.

During the robbery the victim's face was slashed after one of his assailants pulled out a knife.

The incident took place at 11.50am as the businessman was going towards the post office next to the railway bridge.

A Gwent police spokeswoman said: "The victim was walking along the footpath towards the entrance to the post office when he was approached by two men who attacked him and stole a cloth bag containing part of his business takings.

"During the struggle one of the attackers produced a knife and the victim received a cut wound to his face."

Police have not revealed how much money was stolen by the two men. The first man is described as white, aged between 25 and 30, is clean shaven, 5ft 10in tall and of stocky build.

He was wearing a white or cream-coloured sweatshirt. The second man is described as mixed race, clean shaven, 5ft 4in tall, of slim build and aged about 25.

He was wearing dark- coloured jeans, a navy blue top and a dark baseball cap.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who witnessed the robbery is asked to telephone Newport Central police station on 01633 244999.