A taxi driver was threatened, sprayed in the eye and then punched and kicked until he threw away his mobile phone.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who can help following the attack on October 18.

It comes after the driver was at a petrol station on Milton Road in Gravesend when he was approached by two men, asking to be taken to Denton.

When they got to Shamrock Road the driver was told to stop.

When he asked for payment he was threatened by the man in the front seat, with what's described as "a sharp object".

The attacker then demanded: "Give me your money".

When the driver turned to look at the man in the back he was sprayed in the eye.

He then ran away, in considerable pain, and knocked on doors in Shamrock Road for help.

Meanwhile, his attackers searched his car and later began kicking and punching their victim.

The taxi driver threw his mobile phone on the floor and the two men picked it up and fled in the direction of Dickens Road.

Police were then called at 12.30am.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kieron Watts, said: "This appears to have been a premeditated attack in which a taxi driver was subjected to a sustained assault by two men who took his mobile phone and car keys.

"This appears to have been a premeditated attack in which a taxi driver was subjected to a sustained assault" - DC Kieron Watts

"Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare, but I would urge anyone who might have witnessed what happened that night or might have some information about those involved, to contact us as soon as possible."

One of the offenders was a white man, aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 6ins tall, slim, with short dark hair and spoke with an accent.

He was wearing a blue top with a hood. The second suspect was also described as a white man, of the same height and also wearing a blue hooded top.

Anyone with information should call DC Kieron Watts on 01474 366088 quoting reference XY/33295/13. Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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