Taxi drivers assaulted and taxi stolen

Two men have been arrested after two taxi drivers were assaulted and a taxi was stolen.

Shortly before 1.30am today (Wednesday 15 July) two men got a taxi from Town Taxis in Rochdale and were taken to Belfield Road. When they arrived the men threatened the taxi driver with knives and forced him to get out of his taxi, before stealing cash and his mobile. They tried to steal the taxi but, unable to, they ran away in the direction of Albert Royds Street.

Shortly before 2.10am, two men got into a taxi on Brocklebank Road and suddenly told the driver to stop and demanded the taxi driver give them money. One of the men then got out of the taxi, opened the driver’s door and punched him in the face. The taxi driver got out and the other man cut him on the finger with a knife. Both men then got back into the car and stole the taxi, driving away in the direction of Albert Royds Street.

The taxi was later recovered in Oldham.

Two men aged 30 and 31 were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Sergeant Hannah Greetham said: “Both drivers were assaulted, but thankfully their injuries are not serious. This was an extremely frightening attack for the drivers and it could have been much more serious.

“We acted quickly in this instance and made two arrests in connection with the incidents. If you have any concerns please contact police in Rochdale on 0161 8568754 or 0161 8568549."