DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses to a robbery in which a taxi driver was threatened by a customer with a knife.

The 48-year-old victim had collected the suspect at the taxi rank near Southend Victoria train station in Victoria Avenue, Southend, just before 9pm on Monday April 25.

He drove him to Lundy Close, where the suspect held a knife to his throat and demanded his takings.

The victim, who is from the Westcliff area, suffered a minor cut to his neck.

The robber ran off with a small amount of cash. He is described as white, aged about 50, of slim build and between 5ft 9ins tall and 6ft tall.

Enquiries are ongoing and witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Rayleigh CID on 101.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org