A TAXI DRIVER was stabbed in the back by two teenagers in an attempted robbery in Newbury.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred on Mary 6 at around 10.15pm in Oaken Grove.

The victim, a 42-year-old man, was attacked by two teenage boys, who had a weapon described as a large kitchen knife.

They tried to rob the driver, but were unsuccessful and left the scene.

The taxi was a maroon coloured Skoda Superb, which picked up the offenders in Market Place Newbury at around 10.02pm.

The offenders stabbed the driver once in the left hand side of his back, and he was taken to hospital where he was treated for a puncture wound.

He has since been discharged from hospital.

The offenders are both described as white, aged between 16 and 17 years old and 5ft 6ins tall.

They were both of medium build and wearing hooded tops.

Investigating officer detective inspector Alice Broad, of Newbury CID, said: "I am appealing to anybody who may have witnessed this incident, or who saw the taxi picking up two teenage boys at around 10pm in the Market Place, to make contact with us.

"I am particularly keen to hear from anybody who may have dash-cam footage from Market Place which may have picked up these boys getting into the taxi, and likewise, anybody who believes they may know who the offenders are.

"The victim suffered a puncture wound, which thankfully, was not a serious injury, but this could have been far more serious.

"The offenders did not succeed in taking anything from the victim and made their escape, but they also used a hammer or something similar to smash the two nearside windows of the taxi.

"We are making house to house and further CCTV enquiries in this investigation, and I would urge anybody with any information, no matter how insignificant you believe this may be, to contact the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43190135760.

"Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make a report online."