A taxi driver in Egham has allegedly been “robbed” on Christmas Day by four passengers believed to have assaulted him, Surrey Police has revealed.

Police say the male victim was dropping off a passenger on St Jude's Road when a woman got into the front passenger seat and asked to be taken to Addlestone Hospital to visit her mum.

According to the police report, three men got into the back of the car after the driver accepted the woman’s fare.

Officers believe the driver pulled over on Bakeham Lane after the woman tried to take control of the vehicle and got out of the car.

The victim was assaulted by the four passengers before the woman took the keys and drove off in the car, police said.

PC Paul Arrow said: “The victim was just trying to do his job and help the woman who asked to be taken to her mother who was unwell in hospital, but unfortunately this was a lie to get the taxi driver to accept her fare.

“The woman assaulted the victim and stole the car, whilst the other three men who assaulted the victim made off on foot towards the A30, so if you were in the area and saw anything suspicious, please come forward.

“If you were driving in the area around the time the incident took place, please review your dash cam footage, as you may have captured something that can help our investigation.”

The incident took place at around 8.55pm on December 25 in a green Volvo S80, later recovered badly damaged in Farnborough.

The woman has been described as white with black curly shoulder length hair, aged between 20 and 30, and wearing a red jacket with jeans and heeled boots.

One of the male passengers has been described as short, of large build, with brown short straight hair, aged between 20 and 30 and with a thin moustache.

He wore jeans and a black jacket, according to a police report.

The second male passenger has been described as short and slim, with brown short hair and a moustache.

The male suspect has been described as being white, tall, of slim build, with brown short hair brushed to the side, and aged between 20 and 30.

Anyone with any information should call 101 or visit www.surrey.police.uk/ReportIt, with the reference number PR/45180136724.