A TAXI driver is recovering after he was punched by a customer who tried to rob him.

The driver collected the man from the Pentagon Centre taxi rank in Chatham and took him to Nash Close in Lordswood.

When the driver asked for the £8.20 fare, the passenger threatened him with a sharp instrument, demanded he hand over his money and then punched him.

The driver managed to get out of the vehicle at which point the passenger also got out, and walked down an alleyway leading to Ballens Road.

The passenger is thought to be aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build. He spoke with a Southern accent. He had fair cropped hair and was wearing a dark jacket and light blue jeans. He was clean-shaven.

The incident took place just after 6pm on Friday. Anyone who may have information relating to the incident is asked contact PC Mick Patterson at Medway Police on 01634 884136 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.