Boy assaulted by taxi driver

A boy was assaulted by a taxi driver shortly after 8.30pm on Friday 29 May 2015 as the 12-year-old was walking on Pershore Road in Middleton. He  was chased by a taxi driver, who then grabbed him by the arm and dragged him, causing him to fall over. The boy managed to get his phone out, but the man took it and dropped it on the floor, before a member of the public disturbed him and he got into his taxi and drove away.

The taxi driver is described as an Asian man, about 31-years-old, 5ft 10in tall, of skinny build and had a short black beard. He was wearing blue trousers and a black coat.

His taxi was a white Toyota minibus with red seats.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information.

Detective Sergeant Tim O’Callaghan of Rochdale division said: “I am keen to speak to a man with blonde hair wearing a black bobble hat seen speaking to the taxi driver, who may be a key witness.

“If you saw the assault or have any information that may help the investigation, please contact police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8701 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.