A taxi driver has been stabbed during a car jacking in Swords, County Dublin.

The driver picked up two male passengers outside a fast food restaurant at Airside Retail Park at approximately 3am yesterday morning.

He drove a short distance to the Pavillions roundabout where he was assaulted and stabbed a number of times.

The driver - in his mid 30s - managed to escape from the vehicle and raise the alarm. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital by ambulance where he is continuing to receive treatment.

Both suspects drove off in the taxi, a 10-D registered grey Ford Mondeo, in the direction of the M1.

It's understood the taxi was driven north towards Balbriggan. The vehicle was later located burnt out near Bellewstown in County Meath.

Gardaí say they are particularly appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of the Pavillions roundabout at the time of the incident to contact them.

They are also appealing for information on any sightings of the taxi between 3.00am and 6.30am.