Ryan Lovell charged with stabbing Asian taxi driver in race-hate attack

Ryan Lovell (12/03/91), of Molyneux Street, Falinge has been charged with wounding with intent, possessing a bladed article in a public place, criminal damage and causing racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage after a taxi driver was attacked in Rochdale on Sunday (26 October).

Javad Iqbal, 48 of Deeplish, was stabbed in the face during an alleged race-hate attack. He was assaulted after dropping off a customer just before 2am on Sunday.

Mr Iqbal had to go to hospital and received six stitches after the attack. His Toyota Avensis was also damaged during the incident.

This incident is believed is to be the second stabbing of an Asian taxi driver in the borough in the last two weeks.

Lovell appeared at Bury and Rochdale Magistrates court on Monday 27 October.