A Biggleswade pubgoer was allegedly robbed and assaulted after taking a ride in what turned out to be an unlicensed minicab at the weekend – and police have today appealed for witnesses.

The man left the White Hart pub, off Market Square, at about 12.30am on Sunday and approached a light-coloured car that he believed to be a taxi.

The car took him to The Green, in Beeston, where another passenger is alleged to have stolen his wallet and assaulted him. A police spokeswoman said investigations have since found the car was not a licensed minicab.

Det Con Amanda Durrant, who is investigating, said: “Fortunately the man was not injured in this incident, but it was still a nasty attack which has understandably left him feeling shaken.

“I’m appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault – which we believe happened just before 1am – as well as anyone who saw a light-coloured vehicle in the vicinity of the White Hart pub, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 31 of June 18, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.