Two men placed a rope around the neck of a Telford taxi driver and forced him to hand over money.

The terrifying incident happened in Oakengates at about 10.30pm yesterday.

The 47-year-old victim received a call to pick up a person in the name of “Ben” outside the Londis shop in Haywood Parade. He picked up two men and was directed to a house in Daywell in Hollinswood.

He stopped the vehicle he was driving – a silver-coloured Ford Mondeo – when they arrived at their destination and told the passengers how much the journey would cost them.

He was then grabbed around the neck, with what is believed to be a piece of string or rope, and had his head pulled backwards against the seat. One of the offenders took about £45 in cash from the driver’s pocket, which included his fares for the night, before fleeing.

Police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Denise Wakefield, of Telford police, said: “The driver suffered bruising and discomfort around his neck. He was extremely shaken by what happened.”

The offenders are described as white men aged in their early to mid 20s. One had short hair and was wearing glasses and had a local accent. The other offender is described as being of chubby build. They were both wearing dark hooded tops.