A taxi driver has told how he feared for his life after he was robbed by a gang who threatened to stab him.

Father-of-three Jhangir Hussain had a knife or screwdriver held to his neck by one of the gang.

As the four attackers ordered him to stop, at about 12.45am yesterday, he heard one say "one more dead taxi driver won't make a difference".

The robbery took place about a mile from where the body of 36-year-old taxi driver Mahmood Ahmed was found two weeks ago. A man has been charged with his murder.

About £350 was snatched from 34-year-old Mr Hussain's wallet, by a man wearing a hooded top, after he had placed it on the passenger seat of his minibus.

Mr Hussain said: "I was very scared when they said one more taxi driver won't make any difference.

"Another one in the back said, Don't beat him, Let him go. Just take the money.'"

Mr Hussain, of Cliffe Street, Keighley, said his ordeal began when he picked up a man in South Street, Keighley, who asked him to go to Hainworth Wood Road in the town and pick up three others. They all sat in the back.

They ordered him to Vale Mill Lane, Oakworth, where one man reached from the back and pushed the screwdriver or blade into his neck. He was also hit on the shoulder and ordered to stop.

After the attack, three of the robbers jumped over a wall and the fourth walked away along the road.

Mr Hussain suffered a graze on his neck and a bruised shoulder and received hospital treatment.

His boss Pervez Naik of Oxford Private Hire, Keighley, who is pressing for CCTV cameras to be compulsory in cabs, said: "This is very worrying. It's another example of how vulnerable taxi drivers are.

"They don't feel safe and, of course, they have families.

"They are doing a public service and they are at risk of being threatened and robbed. Unlike buses we run throughout the night and you never know who you will pick up."

Taxi drivers were used to people not paying and kicking out at the car, but the recent incidents were far more worrying, he said.

A police spokesman said the robbery of Mr Hussain was not being linked to the death of Mr Ahmed.

Anyone who has information about the robbery of Mr Hussain should telephone (01535) 617059.

l Steven Cullen, 38, of Church Street, Keighley, has been charged with the murder of Mr Ahmed of Highfield, Keighley.

A preliminary hearing into the case is due to be held at Bradford Crown Court on Thursday.

e-mail: clive.white @bradford.newsquest.co.uk