DETECTIVES today stepped up the hunt for violent thugs who tailed a taxi for miles before stabbing the passengers.

As the Evening Times revealed yesterday, two men travelling in a private hire car were followed from Glasgow city centre to Rutherglen and stabbed by a gang after their taxi allegedly cut up a BMW.

Police investigating the horrific incident are keen to trace the taxi driver and hope he can offer vital clues.

As the victims recovered at home, police today issued a fresh appeal for witnesses.

It's thought the victims were pursued by three Asian men in a dark-coloured BMW after a row at the Union Street and Argyle Street junction.

As the men, aged 24 and 25, left the taxi at Cathcart Road near to Brownsdale Road, they were beckoned by three men in a BMW who asked for directions before turning violent.

Police are desperate to talk to the taxi driver, who had driven off by the time the attack happened, and two youths who helped the victims at the scene.

The suspects are Asian and aged between 20 and 25.