Manhunt launched after ‘despicable’ racist assault on taxi driver

The 55-year-old victim had to be taken to hospital for treatment.
By Conor Marlborough
Published 14th Jul 2020, 20:18 BST
Updated 14th Jul 2020, 20:19 BST

A taxi driver had to be taken to hospital for treatment after being racially abused and attacked by a passenger in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

Police have launched an investigation after the assault, which happened at around 2:50pm on Sunday, July 12, at the junction of Viewfield Road and Dunnachie Drive.

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Officers said two men in their 20s were passengers in the taxi, and were dropped off at Viewforth Road, where a third man was waiting.

A taxi driver had to be taken to hospital for treatment after being racially abused and attacked by a passenger in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. Police have launched an investigation after the assault, which happened at around 2:50pm on Sunday, July 12, at the junction of Viewfield Road and Dunnachie Drive.A taxi driver had to be taken to hospital for treatment after being racially abused and attacked by a passenger in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. Police have launched an investigation after the assault, which happened at around 2:50pm on Sunday, July 12, at the junction of Viewfield Road and Dunnachie Drive.
A taxi driver had to be taken to hospital for treatment after being racially abused and attacked by a passenger in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. Police have launched an investigation after the assault, which happened at around 2:50pm on Sunday, July 12, at the junction of Viewfield Road and Dunnachie Drive.

As one of the passengers got out of the car, the other racially abused and attacked the driver.

The 55-year-old was left with serious injuries to both his head and hands as the three men fled the scene in the direction of the Kirkwood Sports Barn.

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The driver was treated for his injuries at Monklands Hospital and later discharged.

One of the passengers was of medium build with a Scottish accent and was wearing a navy blue T-shirt, dark jogging bottoms, dark trainers with a dark cap and a surgical face mask.

The second passenger had short hair, spoke with a Scottish accent, and wore a dark sleeved top and dark jogging bottoms.

The man who was waiting in Viewfield Road was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Craig McLean said: "This was despicable behaviour which will not be tolerated.

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"Inquiries are ongoing and we are working to establish the circumstances leading up to this assault.

"We are keen to talk to anyone who may have witnessed this or who may have seen the three men after the incident in the area."

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0745 of Sunday, 12 July, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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