A taxi driver who was hospitalised by two men fears there is a conspiracy of silence to protect his attackers.

Bob Shepherd, 56, of A&A Taxis, was picking up a regular fare outside the TMG Social Club in Sompting Road, Worthing, when he was attacked.

He said: "Someone must know who they are but they are not saying. I don't want to come across as the poor victim. I want to say 'Come on, you know who it is. Tell the police.'"

Mr Shepherd was taken to Worthing Hospital after the incident on June 4 and was off work until yesterday.

He was leaving his cab when two men got into an old yellow Ford Escort and reversed into his taxi.

The men got out to inspect his bumper, announced there was no damage and were about to drive off when Mr Shepherd intervened.

He told them they smelt of alcohol and that he was calling the police when they turned on him.

He said: "It was like a road rage thing. They pushed me and threw a few punches and then pushed me again.

"I fell to the ground, and I was just about to get up and they started kicking me. I remember lying on the ground and putting up my arms and trying to protect myself."

Mr Shepherd, who has been driving taxis for almost five years, suffered a black eye, cuts and bruises. He also fears he may have kidney damage, and is considering stopping night shifts.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police confirmed that the attack had taken place but that no arrests have been made.