Cumbernauld taxi driver assaulted by his own passengers

A taxi driver has undergone a horror ordeal after picking up two passengers who punched him in the face and demanded cash at their drop-off point.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th May 2016, 16:08 BST
Updated 10th May 2016, 17:12 BST

Police want the public’s help in finding the men whose sickening act violence landed the driver in Monklands Hospital when a hire went horribly wrong.

The incident took place at 10.30pm on Sunday.

It happened minutes after the 38-year-old driver picked up the duo in his black Vauxhall Insignia at the taxi rank outside Cumbernauld Station.

On pulling up in Alder Road, one of the men leaned over.

He then struck the driver, asking him for money.

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No money changed hands but the two men ran off with the driver’s car keys.

Police were summoned and the driver was taken to hospital.

He was treated for facial injuries and a head injury.

The incident has sent shockwaves across Abronhill amidst unconfirmed reports that the men had a knife.

Detective Constable from Coatbridge CID confirmed: “The taxi driver was subjected to an assault with the intent of robbing him of cash.

“The suspects were seen making off towards Alder Lane.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw the pair at the rank at the station or in Abronhill to get in touch.”

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Meanwhile in an unrelated incident, police confirm that they have arrested 31-year-old male in Ash Road.

The arrest took place at 6.15pm on Sunday.

It is alleged that the man was found to be in breach of his bail conditions.

Police have also confirmed that two motorists have been arrested for drink driving.

The first incident took place on Friday at 8.45am near to Tesco in Auchinbee Way.

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Police stopped a 49-year-old woman from Cumbernauld in her Nissan Moreno and found her to be under the influence of alcohol.

She was then arrested.

Officers also stopped a 29-year-old man from England in North Carbrain Road at 12.45am on Sunday.

He too was allegedly found to be driving his Suzuki Liani under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.

Meanwhile, a 54-year-old female from Cumbernauld was also arrested on Sunday.

It is alleged that she committed an assault in Sandyknowes Road at 11.30pm.

She was then taken into custody.

Reports on all these arrests have been sent to the procurator fiscal in Airdrie.

Related topics:Police