By Roddy AshworthA TAXI driver was robbed at gunpoint as he picked up a passenger.The cabbie pulled up in Francis Way, Silver End, at about 9pm on Monday to collect a fare, but was confronted by two men, one of whom was brandishing a gun.

By Roddy Ashworth

A TAXI driver was robbed at gunpoint as he picked up a passenger.

The cabbie pulled up in Francis Way, Silver End, at about 9pm on Monday to collect a fare, but was confronted by two men, one of whom was brandishing a gun.

The robbers demanded cash and the driver, who was working for Braintree taxi firm Twenty Four 7, handed over about £40.

They then grabbed the keys to his blue Vauxhall Vectra before running off along a nearby alleyway.

The taxi driver was left shocked by the incident, but was otherwise unhurt. A spokesman for Twenty Four 7 declined to comment yesterday.

Detective Constable Matt Bradford, of Braintree police, said: “The driver was scared and shocked. It's the last thing you would expect on a Monday night, especially in a quite village like Silver End.

“It is an unusual crime and it is worrying that people should go to these lengths for just £40.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw any young males loitering around in the area of Silver Street, Francis Way, Broadway or Temple Lane between 8.30pm and 9.15pm.”

The robbers were both described as white and aged in their late teens or early 20s.

The man with the gun was of slim to medium build and wearing a long-sleeved, beige hooded top with a scarf covering his face. His accomplice was of similar build and wearing a light-brown jacket.

Anyone with information should contact Braintree police on 01376 551312.

roddy.ashworth@eadt.co.uk