The incident occurred in Randlay on Saturday 10 November 2012. At just after 1.42pm, a 27-year-old male taxi driver picked up a fare from Union Street in Hadley.

The man who got into the cab asked to be taken to Randlay so the driver drove him there.

Once in Randlay the passenger asked to be dropped off on Dodmore Grange and the taxi driver did as he was asked, arriving in Dodmore Grange sometime between 1.50pm and 2pm.

A police spokesman said:

“Having pulled up on Dodmore Grange the taxi driver turned around to ask his passenger for the cash for the journey. Without warning the passenger slapped the taxi driver in the face and grabbed a bag of coins – mostly £1s and 50p pieces – the driver was holding. The bag contained at least £15 in cash.

“Having grabbed the bag the passenger then jumped out of the cab and ran off into the nearby housing estate.

“The man shown in the CCTV image released today is seen by police as potentially a crucial witness to this robbery and therefore officers are keen to identify him.

“He is described as being white, around 5ft 7inches tall, aged in his mid 20s, as having a medium but ‘chubby’ build and spiky blonde hair.

“He is described as wearing a blue jacket with a white zip and dark coloured jeans.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who believes they may know the identity of the man captured on the CCTV, is asked to call officers in CID in Telford on 101 or 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 215N 101112.

“Alternatively, please remember Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you’d rather leave information without identifying yourself.

“People should also be aware that a reward of up to £1000 may be available through Crimestoppers if information you pass on leads to the arrest and charge of someone in relation to a specific offence.”