POLICE are appealing for information about a road rage incident which left a taxi driver badly shaken.

The driver, who is in his mid-50s, pulled up in Cumby Road, Newton Aycliffe, in the early hours of Sunday morning to collect a customer.

Before his fare arrived he stepped out of the car to open the passenger door and a light blue Vauxhall Corsa pulled up behind him.

He realised his taxi was blocking the route so got back in the vehicle and moved it a short distance down the street to allow the Corsa to pass.

A man stepped from the Corsa, opened the passenger's side door of the taxi and leant over to grab the driver by the jacket, shook him violently and was abusive.

The assailant, described as in his late 30s or early 40s, 6ft 6ins, of muscular build and wearing dark rimmed glasses, then got back in the vehicle which drove off.

PC Andy MacLintock said the cabbie believed he was acting considerately and although he was uninjured he was left in a state of shock.

Witnesses to the incident, at 12.30am on Sunday, are urged to call 0845 6060365.