A TAXI driver has been knifed and robbed by four thugs.

Now the traumatised victim’s bosses have put up a £2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of his attackers.

The drama unfolded when the driver, who works for Basildon-based company A&B Taxis, was called to pick up a fare from Oldwyk, at the junction of Vange Hill Drive, in Vange at about 11pm on Friday.

In a twist of fate another cabbie, from Basildon-based Value Cars, had also been called to the same spot, and the two men picked up each other’s customers by accident.

The A&B driver, a 31-year-old man, drove his two male passengers to a car park in Redgrave Road, Vange. When they arrived, the men got out of the cab, a white Skoda Octavia, and were quickly joined by two others.

Suddenly, without warning, the men, who were all black, grabbed the driver’s takings and car keys and stabbed him in the shoulder before fleeing.

The driver, who was left slumped over his wheel and bleeding from his injuries, managed to call for help. Paramedics and police raced to the scene.

The driver was taken to Basildon Hospital, where he was treated for his stab wound. He is recovering at home.

Gary Brand, who co-owns A&B Taxis with Steve Foster, said: “Our driver lost a lot of blood. He said the way things stand, he really doesn’t want to be a taxi driver anymore.

“This is a big shock, but we are taking it very seriously, which is why we’re offering a reward. We are giving our driver all the support we can.”

Mr Brand said he is looking into having CCTV cameras installed in his company’s fleet of cars to ensure the safety of his workers.

He added: “It’s just awful. Our drivers are there to provide a service to the people of Basildon.

“Taxi drivers have been robbed numerous times over the last year and now I’m looking to see if there is any way we can get CCTV installed in our cars.”

Anyone with information about the attack can contact investigating officer, Det Con Ben Griffiths, at Basildon CID on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.