Eastleigh and Southampton's close-knit taxi community are appealing for the public's help after a sadistic attack on a fellow driver.

One taxi firm chief said they would be uniting to catch the person responsible.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, 52-year-old Derek Fletcher was throttled and set alight in the attack in the early hours of Monday in Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh.

Mr Fletcher lives in Sholing, Southampton and works for Eastleigh-based Happy Cabs.

Colleagues released the cabbie's name because they want maximum media coverage in the hunt for his attacker.

Happy Cabs' day manager, Pete Nash, said: "We want this maniac caught because he is going to do it again. Out on the ranks they are worried about night driving and asking who is going to be next?' "Our phones haven't stopped ringing. Cab drivers are phoning to say how sorry they are to hear what happened."

Perry McMillan, chairman of Southampton and Eastleigh Hackney Taxis, said: "This highlights the dangers of our job and it's something those coming into the trade should be made aware of. But there is a great brotherhood of drivers and they always look out for each other. We shall be putting on a united front and making sure the person responsible for this is caught."

Mr Fletcher, who had burns to the lower left of his body, was rushed to Southampton General Hospital.

He was later transferred to Salisbury's Odstock Hospital where his condition was said to be "satisfactory".

He has worked for Happy Cabs since the company started back in September and Mr Nash said: "He is one of the nicest blokes you could know. He works here five days a week and the other two he does his charity work. He does a lot for the homeless."

Talking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Mr Nash told how fears grew when they lost radio contact with Derek after he picked up a fare at the junction of Chestnut Avenue and Southampton Road, heading to Stoneham.

Taxi boss Richard Hobson was trying to contact his driver. A message over the radio and in a faint and anxious voice Derek could be heard saying: "Rich, help I have been attacked."

Mr Hobson dashed to Stoneham Lane and got there before the emergency services.

Mr Nash said: "When Mr Hobson got there Derek was stood outside the taxi with severe burns to his body. The two front seats of the taxi were on fire and so was his notebook.

"Derek was just stood there in his shirt and underpants because he had to tear his trousers off. His hands were badly burnt."

"He had rope marks round his neck."

Jenni Fletcher, who had been at her husband's beside at hospital, said: "I must admit my first impression was that I had lost him.

"He's the most gentle guy. He's a taxi driver who would carry a microwave upstairs for somebody eldery and he opens doors.

"The company is known as Happy Cabs, it's because the drivers are like that."

Police are looking for a man who is described as white, thin, gaunt looking, close shaven and wearing a dark hooded top.

Call police on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.