POLICE are asking for information after a taxi was stolen from outside the Kingsley Arms public house in Brunswick Street, Maidstone.

The white eight-seater Mercedes Benz Vito was taken shortly after midnight on Christmas Day.

The taxi driver had left the keys in the ignition and walked into the pub to collect his fare. On returning outside he found the vehicle had vanished.

Police say the taxi's radio is still "live" and receiving so they believe it may still be in the local area and not burnt out.

Its owners are willing to give a reward to get it back in its original condition.

The taxi is worth in the region of £18,000 and is liveried with the company logo – "MPH". It has the registration number KG06 KVL.

Anyone with any further information is asked to contact police in Mid Kent on 01622 690690 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – this call is free and confidential.