A TAXI driver today spoke out about being struck in the face in a motiveless attack.

Two off-duty police managed to grab the thug, but a crowd pulled him clear and he fled.

The drama happened when the taxi pulled up at traffic lights outside O'Neill's bar at the junction of Queensgate and Zetland Street at 11.45pm on Saturday.

The attacker pulled the passenger door opened, leaned in and started to hit the 39-year-old driver in the face.

The driver managed to get out, but the man raced around and carried on his onslaught and struck his victim in the stomach.

At one point the driver momentarily lost consciousness.

The two off-duty constables grabbed the attacker, but his friends managed to wrestle him clear and they ran off.

Police are now checking CCTV footage to see if the incident was caught on camera.

The taxi driver, who lives in Newsome, suffered bruises to his face.

He said: "The man just opened the door and started hitting me for no reason.

"He knocked my glasses off and I managed to get out of the car, but he came around and carried on.

"I hope the police catch him before he does this to someone else."

The attacker is white, aged about 20, 6ft and stocky.

He wore a grey jumper, a white T-shirt and black trousers.

Anyone who knows who he is should contact Pc Julian Nelson on 01484 436659.