AN Eastleigh cabbie has told how he was the victim of a sadistic attack in his cab.

Fifty two year old Derek Fletcher was left for dead after being throttled and set alight after picking up a fare in Stoneham Lane.

Nearly two months after the attack Mr Fletcher is now at home recovering but his attacker is still at large. A mystery businessman has offered a £1,000 reward in a bid to help catch the culprit.

Although police investigations, codenamed Operation Seymour, are continuing the Daily Echo understands that there have been no significant developments.

Mr Fletcher, who works for Eastleigh based Happy Cabs, was treated for severe burns at the specialist burns unit at Salisbury District Hospital.

He has now been discharged from hospital and is receiving medical care at home.

Commenting on the attack Mr Fletcher said: "He threw a rope around my neck and tried to strangle me. I struggled for quite a while. I must have blacked out and woke up to find out I was on fire.

"I thought I was a gonner to be honest. I thought this is it. I am amazed I got through it."

"He didn't say a word. He was just determined to get me."

He added: "I think it was pre-planned and he was very very determined to do me in because he was really, really, pulling on the rope.

"He definitely needs to be caught because he is obviously desperate and I'm sure he will do it again."

Mr Fletcher said he will not return to being a cabbie and hopes to find a new job in the future.

Detectives have been following up a number of inquires as well as viewing CCTV images from a number of cameras within the Eastleigh area.

They are still particularly keen to speak to any motorists who may have been driving along Stoneham Lane past the Concorde Club towards junction five of the M27 between 2am and 4am on Monday May 21.

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

Anyone with information should ring 08450454545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.