A HAMPSHIRE taxi driver has been robbed of his takings at gunpoint.

The incident happened in the early hours of yesterday when the cabbie dropped off two passengers in Whiteley.

Police are now appealing for help tracing the pair, who ran off after demanding the driver's money bag when they arrived in Thyme Avenue.

advertisementThe cabbie had picked them up outside a Portsmouth nightclub at 4.05am.

When the silver Citroen C8 got to its destination one of the men got out, while the other moved to the seat behind the driver.

When he turned round to tell the passenger the fare he described seeing a small black gun.

The man demanded the money bag, which the driver handed over, and the two passengers fled.

Police are not revealing how much cash was in the bag.

Detective Sergeant Chris Buse said he wants to hear from anyone who may have seen the men in the taxi, or who recognises them from their description.

"This was of course a very distressing incident for the taxi driver," he said.

"This type of crime is not common but it is a very serious incident and we would like the public's help in identifying those responsible.

"We would also ask residents of Whiteley to check their gardens and bins, to see if the money bag has been discarded in the area."

The first man is described as white, in his early 30s, about six feet tall with dark hair, and wearing a blue striped shirt and jeans.

The second passenger was also white, about 25-years-old, five feet 10 inches tall and of slim build.

Anyone with information should Winchester CID on 0845 045 45 45 or the anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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