A TAXI driver may never work again after being left traumatised by robbers who slashed his face.

The unnamed 46-year-old was described as being distraught following the attack.

His boss, Stan Patterson, of ETS Cars, in Billingham, Teesside, said yesterday he was not expecting the driver to return to work.

Mr Patterson said: "We tried to nurse him with a couple of jobs but he went home very distraught. I have spoken to his wife and she was getting the doctor to prescribe a sedative."

The driver had his face slashed with a metal object, possibly a knife, after handing over his £50 takings to two men.

He was ambushed as he drove in Cowpen Lane, Billingham, at about 11.55pm on Friday.

He was forced to make an emergency stop when a youth jumped out in front of his car.

As soon as the vehicle stopped, another man jumped in and demanded money.

A police spokesman said: "As the man got out with the stolen takings, he slashed the taxi driver on the left cheek, leaving three bleeding lines on his face."

Mr Patterson said this was not the first time his drivers had been attacked and he had lost his takings and mobile phone in one incident.

He said: "All we are trying to do is a day's work for fair pay. If things do not improve, our taxis will become more like prison vans."

The robbers were both described as white, of medium build and in their twenties. They wore dark hooded tops.

Witnesses are asked to ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326.