A taxi driver suffered facial and hand injuries when he was attacked by his passengers in the early hours in Hookwood.

The driver was assaulted after his passengers refused to pay their fare on arrival at the Black Horse pub in Reigate Road.

The attack happened at about 2.15am on Saturday, December 21.

The driver needed hospital treatment for his injuries.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Hannah Millyard called it “an appalling attack.”

The taxi, a white Ford Galaxy, had picked up its passengers - two males and three females - outside the Moka nightclub in Crawley at around 2am on December 21.

An altercation broke out when they refused to pay for the trip, and the driver was attacked.

Det Con Millyard, said: “This was an appalling attack on a man just going about his everyday business, and we will do all we can to find those responsible for the assault and bring them to justice.”

She said: ““I would appeal to anyone who believes they either saw the taxi driver pick up the fare near Crawley town centre, or who saw the passengers being dropped off, to contact officers with information.

“I would also ask anyone who has their suspicions around someone they know who they believe could be involved in this incident, to share this information with us.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45130008149. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, and any information passed to them which leads to the arrest and charging of those responsible may be eligible for a reward of up to £1,000.