Police appeal after late night attack on cab driver in Smith's Wood

POLICE are appealing for the public’s help to trace the gang of men who attacked a taxi driver and ransacked his vehicle in Smith’s Wood.

The cabbie was driving along Barle Grove in the early hours of May 25 when four men came running out of Clare House.

One of the group asked if he was there to collect them, but the driver explained he was on his way to picking up a fare in the city centre.

At this point they became aggressive, reaching inside the vehicle to repeatedly punch the 42-year-old and shouting racist abuse.

Fearing for his safety, the man got out of his car and fled, leaving the men to ransack the cab. They stole his cash bag, sat nav and mobile.

The victim managed to flag down another taxi a few streets way and was driven back to the scene. But by the time he arrived his attackers had gone.

Det Con Lucinda Wilson, who is investigating the late night robbery, said: "This was a violent and very unpleasant attack on a lone man who was simply doing his job.

"He was punched several times to the face and was so scared that he left his car and possessions as he ran to get away from his attackers.”

Police have released CCTV images of the men they want to speak to in connection with the attack. All four are white males in their mid to late 20s. Three of the group were around 5ft 9, while their accomplice was slightly taller, around 5ft 11, with a heavier build and tattoos.

A 47-year-old man was arrested on May 29 and remains on police bail in connection with the incident.

Anyone who recognises the men or has any information about the crime, should call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.