A taxi driver was punched in the face by three passengers when he refused to take them to a destination.

The driver of a white Toyota Prius picked up the passengers near Harrow Town Centre on January 28 at around 3.30am, and was then punched by the men.

The taxi driver managed to get out of his car, but one of the attackers got in the driver’s seat and drove into the side road adjacent to Havilland House.

The man then crashed into another car and made off down Elmgrove Road towards Statoin Road.

Police are looking for three black men aged around 20. They wore dark coats, tracksuit bottoms, and two of them wore face masks.

Detective Sergeant John Millward said: “This callous attack left the victim shaken and with cuts, bruising and swelling to his face. The attackers also stole his money and phone.

“Although it happened in the middle of the night, I’m appealing to anyone who might have witnessed or have footage of the incident to get in touch. It was on a residential estate – we know that people heard the commotion, looked out their windows and some of them went to help the victim.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 1010 or tweet @MetCC with the reference CAD 711/28JAN.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.