Masked men threatened Telford taxi driver

A police investigation has been launched after four masked men threatened a Shropshire taxi driver at knifepoint as he arrived to pick up a fare.

The four men, wearing balaclavas, threatened the taxi driver with the weapon while demanding he handed over cash outside a property in Wellington just before 8.30pm yesterday.

Police are treating the incident as an attempted robbery and are appealing for witnesses.

The driver, in his 30s, was in Addison Road when four men, including one brandishing a knife, approached his car and demanded his takings.

The driver sped off and called the police. No cash was handed over.

Inspector Richard Langton, of Wellington police, today said: "We are investigating an attempted robbery at Addison Road in Wellington at 8.27pm yesterday.

"We sent 12 units to the scene, the majority of which arrived within minutes of the report.

"House-to-house inquiries have been carried out and investigations are ongoing today.

"Anybody with any information, or who was in Addison Road at the time of the incident, is asked to call police as a matter of urgency."

Mohammed Zama, chairman of Telford Private Hire Drivers' Association, said the terrifying incident had left the victim shaken and in need of hospital treatment for an injury he suffered to his shoulder.

Mr Zaman said: "The driver was very upset and shaken up.

"He's a night driver but I can't see him wanting to do nights any more."

Any witnesses should call Telford police on 0300 333 3000.