Appeal launched after taxi driver attacked in early hours robbery

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after the male cab driver was robbed in Billingham on Thursday morning.

Two men were picked up by the taxi driver outside the Clocktower Public House on Stockton High Street at around 12.20am yesterday morning.

They were initially taken to the Esso Garage on Station Road, Billingham, before they instructed the driver to take them to the Station Public House on Station Road near to the railway crossing.

The men then punched the driver and demanded he hand over cash.

The suspects then made off along Cheviot Crescent in Billingham with a small amount of cash.

The victim suffered minor injuries but did not attend hospital.

The male driver of a light coloured vehicle, possibly a light blue or silver Ford, stopped at the scene outside the Station Public House and spoke to the victim. Officers would like to speak to this man, as he may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The first suspect is described as a white male aged between 25 and 30 years old, of medium build and around 5ft 6” tall with short, brown hair and stubble. He was wearing jeans and a jumper.

The second suspect is described as a white male, again aged between 25 and 30 years old, of slim to medium build and around 6ft tall. He had short, cropped, brown hair and was wearing jeans and a jumper.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Detective Constable Rachael Smith from Stockton Volume Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.