A HELMSHORE taxi driver had his car keys stolen when he was assaulted by a passenger in the early hours of the morning.

The robbery happened when the private hire driver picked up three men in the Flaxmoss area of Helmshore Road.

The back seat passengers got out of the cab by the junction of Gregory Fold and the taxi was directed towards a farm in Alden Road, where the robber assaulted the driver.

He then leaned over, and grabbed his car keys and fleeing.

The driver suffered slight bruising to his arm.

Police, who have only just released details about the incident which happened around 3am on Saturday, are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

All three men were described as white and in their 20s.

The two back seat passengers were about 5ft 4in tall.

The robber was 5ft 8in tall, of medium build.

He was wearing a back- to-front baseball cap.

Anyone with information should contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442.