A TAXI driver says he is too frightened to work at night after being attacked during his first Friday night shift.

Ali Ahmed admitted he almost left his new job after being racially abused and hit in the face outside a pub at Aylesford, near Maidstone.

The 28-year-old had only been working for Streamline Taxis for a fortnight when he was called to pick up a passenger at The Bush Inn, Rochester Road.

He said was attacked as he waited outside the pub for his customer to finish his drink.

“There was another Streamline car there and a passenger got out and started calling me racist names,” said Mr Ahmed. “He started hitting me in the face and on my head.”

He said he was stunned by the attack, which happened unexpectedly and without provation.

Mr Ahmed, from Maidstone, was treated at Maidstone Hospital for an eye injury and cuts to his head.

“I only started the job a couple of weeks ago,” he added. “I have lived in the area for more than five years but this is my new job. It was my first Friday night.”

After the attack he met his bosses at Streamline, based at Maidstone West Station, and offered to resign. “They told me not to do that because it would be giving in,” he said.

“I am not going to do evening jobs any more because I am too scared now. I will only work mornings.”

A man has been arrested in connection with the attack and granted police bail while enquiries continue.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened on Saturday, October 28, at 1.30am, is asked to contact West Kent Police on 01732 379217.