Three masked men attacked a taxi driver and smashed up his cab in Wellington. The victim was waiting outside the Tender Fried Chicken in Church Street when the three, in balaclavas, used a weapon to attack his vehicle.

The gang smashed the windscreen and passenger window and turned on the driver when he got out to remonstrate with them.

Police said the cabbie was hit a number of times before his attackers got into a blue 4×4 vehicle and drove off.

The taxi driver, who has not been named, needed hospital treatment for his in-juries, including stitches in a cut to his forearm. 

The attack happened yesterday between 2.30am and 2.50am.

Police said today there may well have been people in the takeaway, which has no connection with the incident, to whom officers have  not yet spoken. 

They  appealed for witnesses to get in touch.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, said today: “This was a nasty incident and the taxi driver required hospital treatment for the injuries he received. 

“He suffered a number of grazes and bruises as a result of the assault and has also had a number of stitches in a cut to his forearm.”

Mr Ammonds added: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident, or from anyone who believes they know the identity of any of the individuals involved.

“Anyone who believes they may have information about this incident is asked to contact Telford police on 03003 333000.”