[29 JAN 01] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Taxi Driver Stabbed By Passenger

A taxi driver was stabbed in the neck as his two passengers tried to rob him of his takings.

The 63-year-old driver picked up two Asian males at the bus station rank in Nuneaton at 4.30pm on Friday.

They asked him to take them to the Pavillion social club in Stockingford.

As they arrived one of the attackers leaned forward from the rear seat and grabbed the driver. He stabbed him in the side of the neck and demanded cash.

But the driver fought back and the two offenders got out of the car and fled after a struggle.

They ran towards Freemans Newsagents in Wycliffe Way where the taxi driver and a number of passers by caught up with them.

Another struggle broke out and the offenders eventually managed to escape.

The driver was taken to George Eliot hospital for stitches to a two-inch puncture wound to his neck and treatment to other cuts.

Both attackers were aged between 20 and 25. One is 5ft 6ins, stocky, with short dark hair, glasses and a light-coloured jacket.

The other is slim, 5ft 8ins, with dark hair and he wore a baseball cap and a similar, but darker, jacket.

Police have already spoken to a number of witnesses who helped the taxi driver give chase, but would like anyone else involved to contact DC Tom Moore on 024 7664 1111 ext 3168.