A minicab driver was taken to hospital after two men who booked his taxi punched and kicked him in the street.

The 40-year-old victim, who works for Avenue Cars, in Chadwell Heath, was due to pick up the men in Haydon Road, Dagenham on Saturday, April 7, but it is thought that when he arrived he refused to take them.

According to his manager, Lyn Cartwright, the cab driver then drove to a shop in nearby Becontree Avenue, where the two men attacked him at 2.10pm.

An ambulance was called and the victim was taken to Queen’s Hospital in Romford and treated for cuts and bruises. He remained at the hospital for a number of days.

A police investigation is under way. No arrests have been made and officers are appealing for witnesses.

Ms Cartwright, who arrived at the scene shortly after the attack, said: “He was in a really bad way and looked like he was in a lot of pain.

“We occasionally have problems with drunken customers, but this was really vicious. I don’t understand how people can do something like that.”

Witnesses should call Barking and Dagenham CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 5106267/12.