A 'TAXI driver' and his accomplice assaulted and robbed a passenger before leaving him on the roadside.

The 20-year-old victim flagged down the taxi in the early hours of Tuesday as he looked to get back to Alsager after a night out in Hanley.

A man was already in the car, but told the victim he was travelling the same way.

But shortly after setting off, the driver stopped the car and, together with his accomplice, assaulted the victim.

They stole his dark brown leather wallet, which contained a small quantity of cash and cards, a Diesel wrist watch, a black LG mobile phone and a set of keys before forcing the victim from the taxi. At around 5.45am, he managed to flag down a passing motorist.

The taxi driver is described as an Asian male, aged 20 to 30. His passenger was white and aged 18 to 20 with short, dark hair.

Chief Inspector Peter Hall, from Stoke-on-Trent division, said customers should use reputable companies and advised them to pre-book properly licensed cars.

Dave Currie, of Stoke-on-Trent's Private Hire Association, said: "There's only one reason people ply for hire illegally and that is they're up to no good."

Officers would also like to speak to the male motorist who dropped the victim off at Newcastle bus station.

Anyone with information should call PC Alison Alcock or DS Rob Taylor on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.