A TAXI driver was assaulted and robbed only weeks after the anniversary of his sister s death in the last year s Pakistan earthquake. Zia Khan, of Ace Taxis in The Glebe, Stevenage, picked up three men from the town s Leisure Park just before 3am on Satur

A TAXI driver was assaulted and robbed only weeks after the anniversary of his sister's death in the last year's Pakistan earthquake.

Zia Khan, of Ace Taxis in The Glebe, Stevenage, picked up three men from the town's Leisure Park just before 3am on Saturday, October 28, and took them to Bragbury End.

On arrival the men refused to pay the fare and in fear of the situation escalating Mr Khan let them out of his vehicle.

However, on getting back into his car Mr Khan was attacked from behind and had his money bag stolen by two of the men. The third had already run off.

Mr Khan, 30, said: "I pulled up near the shops but when they said they wouldn't pay I told them it was within my rights to call the police. At this point they started to become quite aggressive, probably because they were drunk.

"I decided to let them out but when I went to get in my car I was attacked from behind and one of the men grabbed my bag.

"I fell to the floor and the two men kicked my head but luckily another taxi was passing at this point. The men were scared off and the police were called."

Mr Khan, who lives in Luton, continued: "It was a shock. I feel I'm lucky to survive like this, with no major injuries except pain on my right hand side and when I fell to the road some skin came off my hand. I also have a couple of injuries on my left arm and on my head.

"These things happen in this kind of job unfortunately."

The incident took place just weeks after the first anniversary of the death of Mr Khan's sister in last October's Pakistan earthquake at a local school where she was a teacher.

"I am still upset by that and this attack made it all the worse. Altogether it has been a dreadful few weeks. It's been very difficult."

The first attacker was described as white, 21 or 22-years-old, of stocky build, around 5ft 7ins tall and was wearing a dark T-shirt and dark jeans and had a local accent.

The second man was white, aged between 24 and 26, was of heavy build and around 5ft 8in tall. This man has short brown hair and was wearing a dark T-shirt and green jeans.

A spokesman for Herts police said: "We are investigating this incident and would like anybody with any information to contact the Eastern Area Robbery Unit on 01438 757078 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.