Widnes Taxi driver left unconscious with horrific facial injuries following violent unprovoked attac
Detectives investigating a serious assault in Widnes are appealing for information and footage from members of the public. Between 1.05am and 1.35am on Saturday 15 June, a small group of people banged on the boot of a taxi in Appleton Village car park, which is at the side of St Bede’s Catholic Men’s Club.
At that point the driver of the taxi, a 59-year-old man from Widnes, got out of the vehicle. He was then assaulted by two young men who were with a young woman. The group left him lying unconscious on the floor. The taxi driver awoke to discover that he had sustained facial injuries. He phoned for help and was subsequently taken to hospital via an ambulance. The serious facial injuries he sustained as a result of the attack require ongoing medical treatment. The men who assaulted him were both white, as was the woman they were with. One of the men is described as being around 25 years old. He had a short muscular build, a bald head and a dark brown mid-length beard. The man was wearing a dark coloured beaded necklace, a long sleeved light grey plain shirt, grey trousers and dark leather shoes with a thick sole. The other man is believed to be around 18 to 19 years old and 5’ 9” tall. He had a slim build and a slim face and was clean shaven. His short brown hair had a parting, he spoke with a Widnes accent and he was wearing a grey jacket which was zipped up, dark trousers and shoes with laces. The woman they were with was also described as around 18 to 19 years old with a slim build. She was approximately 5’ 6” tall and had straight brown shoulder length hair with a side parting. She had a coat and lighter coloured trousers on and was carrying a dark medium sized handbag over her shoulder. Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident, or saw anything else that may aid their investigation, to get in touch. They also want to speak to anyone who believes they may know the identities of anyone involved in the incident or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them. Detective Inspector Ian Whiley, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “This was a sickening and cowardly attack on a man who was simply trying to earn a living for his family. “It has left him with serious facial injuries that require ongoing medical treatment and the unprovoked assault has left his family devastated – his children are extremely upset and cannot understand why anyone would attack their gentle dad. “I would like to reassure the community that this appears to have been an isolated incident, we have stepped up patrols in the area and we are determined to establish who assaulted the victim and bring them to justice. “Enquiries are ongoing and as part of our investigation we are appealing for anyone who believes they may have information or footage regarding the small group of people involved in the incident to come forward. “The same goes for anyone who believes they may have CCTV or dashcam footage of them. “Perhaps you were in the area and witnessed what happened or saw the people involved, or maybe you recognise the descriptions of them and think that you may know who they are. “We also want to speak to the group of people who were with the two men and the woman before the attack took place. That group played no part in the assault and may not even know what happened after they left the area.” Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 428532, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Dashcam footage can be submitted online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.
Image: Source; Widnes Police
