Cabbie hospitalised after gang attack

A 61 year old cabbie was left needing hospital treatment after being attacked by a gang of youths.

Derick Devine was in the process of picking up a passenger im Peterlee when his vehicle was attacked by up to 8 youths.

One of the youths broke his door mirror, as he went to retrieve it he was then hit in the face with an object, knocking him to the ground.

Mr Devine suffered an injury to his nose and injuries to his cheek and jaw as well as other cuts and bruises.

He was subsequently taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment to his wounds.

An investigation has been launched by Durham Constabulary who have said the following:. "Officers are appealing for information after a taxi driver was assaulted in Peterlee. "The 61-year-old man was parked on Essex Place at around 7.40pm last night when a group of teenagers approached his vehicle. "He then got out of the vehicle and was assaulted by the group before being hit in the face by an unknown object. "The group knocked the vehicle’s wing mirror off before leaving. "Police are appealing for anyone with any information on the incident to come forward." Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 387 of November 25.