A CABBIE has been arrested after a customer suffered serious head injuries following a row over a £4 fare.

The injured man, a 61-year-old from Basildon, is currently in intensive care in hospital where he is being treated for bleeding on the brain.

The incident happened when the customer was dropped off by the 46-year-old driver, who works for Basildon-based Value Cars, outside a block of flats in Great Ranton, Pitsea.

It is understood a row broke out between the pair following a dispute over the price. During the argument the customer fell to the pavement and hit his head.

Paramedics and police raced to the scene and the victim was taken to Basildon Hospital where he remains. Officers seized the driver’s car and the road was cordoned off while forensic police combed the area for clues.

One witness, a 28-year-old man, from Tyefields, said: “I wondered what the hell was going on when I came home from work and the road was all taped off.

“The ambulance and police were everywhere and I saw them taking the car away.

“I don’t know what happened, but you always hear about taxi drivers getting robbed and attacked around here.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses who saw the disturbance involving the taxi driver’s blue Skoda Octavia.

The victim remains in a critical, but stable condition.

The cabbie, who lives in Pitsea, has worked in the area for several years.

He was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and remains in custody.

Mia Walker, owner of Value Cars, said it would be inappropriate for the firm to comment.

Witnesses to the incident, which happened at 7.30pm on Wednesday, can contact detectives at Pitsea on 0300 3334444.