A TAXI driver from Maidstone will require reconstructive surgery on his face after he was severely beaten by two men in Tonbridge.

The 22-year-old victim had dropped off some customers near a Shell garage in Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge, at about midnight on Thursday.

He was then approached by a man who asked to use the taxi. The victim explained he was not taking passengers at that time. A second man then approached the taxi, opened the driver’s door and both men attacked him.

The attackers were both aged 19 or 20 and were about six feet tall. One was wearing a light coloured jacket and baseball cap, the other a dark coloured jumper and jeans.

PC Vernon Barker said: “This was a particularly vicious assault. The only reason these men seem to have had for attacking the driver is that he was not able to accept any fares at this time.”

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact West Kent Police on 01732 771055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.