Taxi driver assaulted by robber

A taxi driver was assaulted during a robbery in Middleton.

At about 12.30am on 11 May 2014, the 60-year-old driver collected a man from Bowness Road, Middleton and took him to Baguley Crescent.

Once there, the passenger demanded the driver’s car keys and cash.

He then snatched the keys from the ignition and began assaulting him.

The victim handed over some cash to the offender, who then got out of the car and kicked it.

Local residents, who had heard the commotion, came to the victim’s aid and the offender ran off with some cash. He dropped the keys to the car at the scene.

He is described as white, about 5ft 10in tall and between 18 and 25 years old. He had short fair/blonde hair, was of slim build and wearing a parka style jacket.

Detective Constable Claire Ramsden, said: “This was a wholly unacceptable attack on a man in his 60s who was simply trying to do his job.

“By coming to the driver’s assistance, local residents have proven that they will not tolerate mindless thugs, like the man responsible for this robbery, operating in their neighbourhoods.

“The offender most likely has some connection with the area and I would urge others in the community who might know who he is or have information about him to call us with that information.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 1706, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.