A TAXI driver was brutally beaten by his passenger after he refused to pay for his fare and left the victim with a nose bleed.

At around 3.30am on Sunday, April 23, the 41-year-old driver of a grey Peugeot Horizon collected a couple, who asked to be taken to Newbolt Close in Thatcham.

When they realised they did not have enough money to pay him, they left a mobile phone, as they attempted to find a nearby cashpoint.

The couple walked down the alleyway towards Browning Close and when the man returned a few minutes later he demanded his phone back.

He snatched his phone from the driver, snapped the key in the ignition and punched the victim in the face, before slamming the door with such force that the window shattered.

The offender is described as a white man with a slight tan, between 25 and 27 years old.

He was around 5ft 6ins tall with a medium build. He had short dark brown hair and was clean shaven.

He had brown eyes and was wearing a plain dark-coloured long sleeved t-shirt and jeans.

Talane Smith, investigating officer from Newbury Police Station, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone acting suspiciously in the area around this time. If you have any information regarding this incident please come forward and speak to police.”

“If anyone recognises the offender please contact police immediately by either calling 101 or visiting a police station and quoting reference 43170116413.”