A taxi driver from Watford had his ear bitten and was punched and kicked by his passengers after he dropped them off in Hemel Hempstead.

The 44-year-old, who had a kitchen knife held to his throat, suffered serious injuries to his jaw and to his ear.

It happened on Rayburn Road in Gadebridge in the early hours of Tuesday morning (March 25).

He was taken to Hemel Hempstead Hospital but has since been released.

The driver picked up his two passengers just before midnight on Shady Lane in Watford, and arrived in Hemel Hempstead at 00.15.

After the attack the two men made off in a light coloured Ford Escort van.

The first man is described as white, of slim build, aged about 39 and with short black hair.

He is 5ft 5in tall, with bulging eyes and was wearing a black bomber jacket with blue jeans.

The second man is described as white, of medium build, aged 40 to 45 with cropped hair. He is about 6ft tall.

The police are appealing for anybody who witnessed the assault, or anyone who may have seen the van parked on Rayburn Road on Monday.

Sergeant Laurie Rush, investigating, said: "This was a particularly nasty incident, and I would really like to see the two individuals responsible taken off our streets and brought to justice.

"But I need the public's help to do this, so I would strongly urge anyone who may have any information to come forward."

Anybody with any information should contact Sergeant Rush on 0845 33 00 222 and quote reference number D1/08/2391.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

You do not have to give your name and you could be entitled to a cash reward

http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/Taxi-driver-assaulted-by-knifewielding.3917281.jp