POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after a taxi driver was robbed in Redditch.

The taxi driver, a man in his 50s, picked up three men near Shipley’s bingo hall in the town centre on Sunday, February 9 at about 12.30am.

They asked to go to several locations but changed their minds a number of times before they were dropped off in Kinnersley Close at about 1.10am

However, before the taxi could drive off they stopped the vehicle and one of the men grabbed the driver by the throat and demanded cash.

The driver handed over what he had from his pockets, about £30, and the men then ran off.

The offenders were all white and the one who assaulted the taxi driver was tall and slim, thought to be aged 18-20 and described as having a long face. He was wearing a long black jacket.

Police have carried out door to door enquiries in the area and are gathering CCTV footage in a bid to identify the offenders but have appealed for the public’s help.

Detective Constable Amjad Iqbal of North Worcestershire CID said: “Although the taxi driver was not injured violence was used and we need to trace these men as soon as possible. We have a fairly good description of one of them and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen these men in the town centre or in the Kinnersley Close area.

“If you know or think you know who these men are then please get in touch.”

Anyone with information can call North Worcestershire CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the incident reference 49-S-090214.

Details can also be given anonymously by phoning the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.