POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a taxi driver was dragged out of her vehicle and robbed in Middlesbrough.

The incident happened as the driver waited to pick someone up in Ainderby Way in the town just after midnight on Saturday.

A man approached the taxi and opened the door before dragging her out of the car and making off with £80 in cash in a bag towards nearby Grove Hill.

She suffered minor injuries.

Police have described the suspect as a white male, around 6ft tall of slim build with dark hair.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone who may have any further information is asked to contact DC Lizzie Stubbs from Middlesbrough CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 021629.

Or anonymously contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org