A TAXI driver was robbed by two youths wielding a knife and a snooker ball in a sock.

The teenagers - who hid their faces with scarves - hit the driver in the face when he was called to a pick-up in Tostig Avenue in Acomb, York, at 3.15am yesterday. They then made off with £45 in takings.

Police said the cabbie was attacked after he got out of his white Ford Mondeo. One youth hit him in the face with the snooker ball in a sock, and the other threatened him with the knife. Both then searched the taxi, took the money and ran off.

The first youth was white, aged about 14 or 15, with distinctive protruding eyes. He was wearing a navy-blue hooded top with orange writing around the neck. His face was covered by a scarf, and he was wearing gloves.

The second youth was aged about 17, also wearing a hooded top, gloves and a scarf over his face.

Paramedics treated the taxi driver at the scene for bruising to the side of his face. He went to York Hospital for a check-up. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to phone York CID on 0845 6060247.