Taxi drivers in Waltham Abbey have been warned to be on their guard after two were robbed in the space of a month.

The first attack happened when two passengers threatened a driver with a knife at 1am on Bank Holiday Monday in Skarnings Court before stealing a mobile telephone and a three-figure sum of cash.

The 55-year-old driver had picked up both men from the nearby Green Man pub, one of whom is thought to be white and the other of possibly mixed heritage.

Just two days later, another driver was threatened after picking up two passengers at around 11pm from the Sultan pub in Waltham Abbey.

The men pulled out a knife before grabbing cash and running off from Winters Way. A police dog later followed the track to Skarnings Court.

One suspect is described as a tall, white man, with a slim build, who was wearing a dark leather jacket and had a local accent.

He sat at the front of the cab while the other man sat behind the driver.

The second man was about 5ft 5in, has a tubby build, and was wearing a grey hooded top with a black coat over the top.

Both are aged in their late 20s or early 30s.

The 56-year-old driver, from Waltham Cross, suffered a cut to his arm and finger, and was punched in the face.

Anyone with information on the men or who saw anything is urged to contact DC Paul Burnett, or his colleagues at Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.