A taxi driver was attacked and held by the throat after a row over a £40 fare.

He was attacked at the taxi rank in Maldon High Street in the early hours of Thursday, July 24.

The man, who works for Banyards Taxis in the High Street, had taken two women passengers to Wickham Bishops, when one asked to go to Stanway, in Colchester, and was quoted £40.

Company owner Colleen Bannister, 29, said: “The passenger claimed the driver was ripping her off.

“He returned to the High Street taxi rank when a group of four men arrived and started abusing him.

“They beat him up, ripped his clothes and damaged his car keys. 

“Considering the drivers are there to get people home, they do not deserve this treatment.

“The fare for the journey was entirely correct for 2am.”

Full story in this week's Standard.