DETECTIVES have charged two people in connection with the robbery of a taxi driver in Basildon.

The 61-year-old cab driver from Grays was robbed of £350 after picking a fare up from Festival Leisure Park in Basildon during the early hours of Saturday morning.

The robbery occurred at the taxi, carrying a man and two women passengers, was in Luncies Road, Basildon, at around 3am.

Richard Deadman, 21, of Dencourt Crescent, Basildon has been charged with robbery and with making off without payment.

He is due to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court on Bank Holiday Monday.

A 20 year old woman from Wickford has been charged with making off without payment and assisting in the retention, removal or disposal of stolen goods.

She has been released on poilice bail and is due before Southend Magistrates' Court on May 20.