A cabbie was today in hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car as he stood in the road rowing with a passenger, police have said.

The pair were believed to be arguing next to the taxi in High Road, Laindon, over payment for a passenger being sick in the cab.

The cab driver, John Francis, 50, of Westbourne Gardens, Billericay, suffered five broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, punctured lungs and severe bruising.

The passenger - who has not been named - broke his leg and suffered a minor head injury after both were struck by the car.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "About 1.20am yesterday a taxi driver and one of his passengers were in the road when they were struck by a Ford Fiesta.

"The taxi driver was taken to Basildon Hospital and will be detained for some days."

Published Tuesday, May 27, 2003

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