TAXI driver Mohammed Yasin was kicked almost to death by a thief who stole his night's takings.

TAXI driver Mohammed Yasin was kicked almost to death by a thief who stole his night's takings.

Mr Yasin, 48, suffered broken ribs and spinal injuries when he was attacked by a customer he had taken from Desborough Road, High Wycombe, to Redman Road, Cressex.

The man tricked Mr Yasin into getting out of the car by telling him he had a flat tyre and then rained karate kicks on him for ten minutes.

The first contact was with a flying kick to the head and then the attacker repeatedly hit and kicked him as he lay on the floor screaming for help. He made off with £120 in cash.

The cab driver, a father of three, said: 'When I came out he started to fight, smash, kick, he did everything. The first kick was to the eye. After that I couldn't get up. He kept kicking me. I shouted 'can anybody help me' and a lady from a nearby house rang the police.

'I think this man will do it again. He is very dangerous. If that lady had not come out I think he would have killed me. She saved my life.

Mr Yasin, who has been a taxi driver for five years, suffered two broken ribs, damage to his spine, a cracked left shoulder and a black eye in the attack which happened at around 3.30am on Sunday.

He expects to be off work for at least three weeks and says he will never do another night shift.

Mr Yasin was driving a red W registration Vauxhall Zafira when he was beaten and robbed in Redman Road.

The attacker is described as of mixed race, with very short dark hair. He is thought to be in his late teens or early 20s and was wearing a beige jacket and trousers.

Another taxi driver was robbed at knifepoint just before midnight on Monday. The man was driving from Skimmers End, Holmer Green, to Highfield Road, Chesham, when the customer pulled a knife and made off with cash.

The driver was not injured. The thief is described as white, of medium build, 5ft 10in tall with blond medium to long hair. He was wearing shorts and a white T-shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Emma Burroughs in relation to the attack on Mr Yasin, and DC Andrew Mottau in relation to the Chesham attack. Both are on (01494) 465888