Two minicab drivers were injured in separate night-time attacks while working in Bradford at the weekend.

Both men were taken to hospital after the two incidents, a robbery and an attempted robbery, which police do not believe are linked.

At 4.40am on Saturday, a driver was called to the Co-op in Thornton Road near its junction with James Street to pick up a fare.

The driver, who works for the Allerton Cosy Cars firm, was then threatened by two men before being sprayed in the face with an unknown substance, which left him disorientated and suffering soreness to the eyes.

One of the men then stole about £130 and a Blackberry phone.

Detective Inspector John Mountain, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “While it was in the early hours of the morning I’m making an appeal for anybody who may have witnessed this incident to contact us.

“It was a frightening incident for the taxi driver involved, who was providing a service to the public and going about his lawful duty.”

The suspect who sprayed the substance was described as a white man, about 6ft 2ins, of medium or athletic build and had a deep voice.

He was aged 25 to 28, had short, mousy brown hair and was wearing a light red zip-up hooded top and gloves.

The other suspect, who took the money and phone, was described as a white man, about 5ft 11ins and was believed to be wearing a white hooded top and gloves.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident and given police bail.

At about 1.45am yesterday, a driver for Girlington Taxis picked up a man and a woman at the Castle Hotel in Grattan Road.

When he dropped them off at Lynton Drive, Shipley, the man grabbed him around the neck, punched him in the face and demanded money.

Det Insp Mountain said he believed the pair were disturbed by another vehicle and police believe the occupants could help with their inquiries.

The man was described as white, aged 20 to 22, skinny, wearing a woolly hat, jeans and a light coloured jacket.

The woman suspect was white, heavily built, wearing jogging bottoms and a jacket.

Det Insp Mountain added: “This was another unprovoked attack on a driver, performing a service to the local community.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on (0845) 6060606 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on (0800) 555111.