Horrific attack on Northern Ireland taxi driver sparks appeal and cash reward for help

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a horrific attack on a taxi driver in the Strabane area.

The assault is alleged to have taken place in the early hours this morning near Glebe Gardens, Strabane.

At approximately 1.15am the cabbie picked up a male passenger in the Abercorn Square area of Strabane and took him to Glebe Gardens, where he attacked the taxi driver and caused damage to his vehicle.

The injured man attended hospital for treatment to multiple head injuries.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who witnessed this assault or anyone who has information that could assist with enquiries, to contact detectives at Strabane on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 89 13/01/20.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

The cabbie's operator, Streetcars, who posted photos of the injuries said: “The nature of attacks such as this and others have no place in our society. We work in a difficult industry at the best of times, and the financial gain is petty in return.”

Patrick McLaughlin from Streetcars added: “Attacks such as this are no different to attacks on medical staff or emergency service providers. We work alone and too many times we are exposed to certain threats that remain between the driver and the fare.

“I personally have decided to put up a cash reward to anyone with information on this brutal attack. Although this happened at 1.15 am, it took place in a built up area and I'm certain it was witnessed by someone in the park concerned. Any information submitted to me will be treated with anonymity.

“I wish to offer our driver a swift recovery and to relay to him that the thoughts of everyone in our firm, and indeed most people in our town are with him and his family at this difficult time.”