Adelaide taxi driver attacked by passenger who refused to pay

A 65-year-old taxi driver has been left injured and unable to work after taking on a passenger who refused to pay his fare.

Amrik Thandi was assaulted at Ridgehaven in Adelaide's north yesterday, with shocking security footage showing the fight which lasted for at least four minutes.

"This incident I don't want to drive, I'm really shaken up.... but I have to," driver Mr Thandi told 9News .

Mr Thandi said he picked up the passenger just before 5pm yesterday and drove him to his destination. But once they arrived the man reportedly refused to pay.

The driver admits he grabbed the man's bag as he tried to walk-off, and a struggle ensued.

"I fell on the ground holding his bag and when I fell on the ground he put his foot here on my neck and he kicked me in the head," Mr Thandi said.

The driver of more than 30 years eventually gave up, and the man is seen fleeing down an alleyway.

Neighbours, one of whom was an off-duty policeman and his wife a doctor, helped the driver and called him an ambulance.

He was taken to hospital and had to undergo scans on his head.

Police have confirmed they're investigating the incident and say the offender is in his 30s, about 180cm tall with medium build and a bald head. They're urging anyone with helpful information to call CrimeStoppers.

Just weeks ago, Mr Thandi said he was threatened by another passenger with a screwdriver, who also refused to pay.

"They pulled a screwdriver on me at Ferryden Park... police haven't got him yet."