A TAXI driver was assaulted and his vehicle was stolen during a carjacking in Canvey.

Abdul Shabbir, who lives on the island, was outside Morrisons Supermarket, Northwick Road, at 1am on Friday morning when two men punched him in the face and stole his phone.

They then drove off in his marked taxi.

Mr Shabbir, who works for Steve’s Cabs on Canvey, was left with bruises and a swollen face.

His son, Abu, 23, said: “My dad did fear for the worst.

“He thought that against two young lads he did not stand a chance, being in his 50s.

“He felt he had to take whatever was thrown at him and was defenceless.

“It could have been a lot worse if he put up a fight.

“He wants other cab drivers to be aware of this because it could happen to any of them at any given time.

“The mobile phone was bought by my younger sister who is 19-years-old and a university student.

“It was Eid on Thursday so the whole month previously we have been fasting for Ramadan and this happens the day after.

“What a way to ruin celebrations today.

“My dad is now car-less.”

No-one from Steve’s Cabs was available to comment on the issue of crime against drivers on the island.

The incident is being investigated by police.

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were both arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been released under investigation.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called at 1am with reports that a man had been assaulted and his vehicle stolen.

“Officers attended and an area search was conducted.

“An 18-year-old man and 17-year-old boy, both from Canvey, were arrested on suspicion of robbery in the early hours of this morning.

The stolen vehicle has been recovered.

“Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the force on 101.

Alternatively, you can call crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.