Two taxi drivers robbed at knifepoint near St Clement's Church

The victims were targeted on Sunday morning near St Clement's Church in Boscombe. One of men's vehicles was then set ablaze.

During the first robbery, which happened shortly before 1am, the victim - a man in his 40s - picked up a man in Meyrick Road and drove him to St Clement’s Road near to the church.

When the taxi stopped, the victim was threatened with a knife and told to hand over cash. He was not injured.

The robber is described as white, with a beard, brown hair and tattoos. He was wearing a grey tracksuit and had a muscular build. He spoke with a Liverpool accent.

The second incident happened just over two hours later at 3.30am. The victim, a man aged in his 50s, was approached by two men on Southcote Road shortly after dropping off another fare.

Initially, the men asked to go to Southbourne. However, the taxi driver was then instructed to turn into Knole Road. As the car neared St Clement's Church the passengers told the driver to stop.

The men then threatened the driver at knifepoint and demanded he hand over money.

The victim managed to escape the taxi and run off. As he turned around he saw one of the men get into the driver seat and drive off into Drummond Road. The victim did not sustain any physical injuries.

His taxi was set ablaze in Aylesbury Road.

One of the robbers is described as five feet ten inches tall and of large build. He had short brown hair and blue eyes and was wearing a jacket and jeans. He spoke with a Liverpool accent.

The second man is described as short in height and of thin build. He had dark hair and was wearing all dark clothing. He spoke with a local accent.

Kevin Holmes, chairman of the Bournemouth Taxi Trade Association, called the robberies "horrendous".

"This is the sort of thing that can leave people with psychological scars for life. It's happened to me," he said.

"It's very worrying.

"I'm sure there'll be more to come before Christmas and the new year, although hopefully nothing nearly as serious as this.

"Let's hope the police get these people as quickly as possible."

Detective Sergeant Mark Portelli, of Bournemouth CID, said: "We are determined to identify and bring those responsible to justice and I would like to reassure the public that a full investigation is underway.

"At this stage, we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked."

Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of two robberies on taxi drivers in Bournemouth.

The 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of robbery, aggravated vehicle taking and arson.

Anyone who may have witnessed a person acting suspiciously in the area around the time of either robbery, as well as those with any information that could assist police, should contact police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting 55180197326.