A TAXI driver was car-jacked and had his takings stolen after two of his passengers held machetes to his throat.

The Durham man, in his fifties, was robbed of his £12,000 Fiat Doblo and £250 in cash after picking up two men in their 20s in North Road, Durham.

They asked to be taken to Tow Law and Lanchester, but feigned sickness and asked the driver to stop the car near Cornsay Colliery.

Once the driver had stopped the taxi, both men pulled out the blades, forced him out of the vehicle, before jumping into the front seats and driving off. The driver had to walk down dark country roads until he managed to flag down another taxi.

The incident happened shortly after 1am on Sunday, February 19, but details have only now been revealed.

Detective Constable Paul Tallentire, of Stanley police, said: "This could have been more serious if the taxi driver had put up a struggle - we could have been dealing with a fatality."

The Hackney-licensed cab was found burnt out a day later on the road between Esh and Langley Park.

Adrian Fetz, chairman of Durham Independent Taxi Association, said drivers were fearful for their safety and the car-jacking could exacerbate a taxi shortage.

He said: "Everyone is worried and you wonder who is going to be next, but you have to make a living."

Both attackers were in their mid-20s. One was 5ft 8in, stocky, with dark skin, short dark hair and a short well-trimmed beard and moustache. He was wearing a long-sleeved white and blue checked shirt, blue jeans and trainers.

His accomplice was white, slim, with muscular shoulders and dark cropped hair. He wore a blue long-sleeved shirt with blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-375 2511.