Police seek information as man damages cab after taxi driver declines them a discounted fare

Image credit: Northumbria Police

Northumbria Police have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses following a suspected assault on a taxi driver who declined giving the customer a discounted fare in North Tyneside.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday 29 December, has prompted a call for public assistance to help trace a man believed to be connected to the event.

The altercation took place shortly after 1:10am on High Street East, Wallsend, when an unknown male entered the taxi and reportedly demanded a reduced fare. Upon the driver's refusal, the man is alleged to have assaulted the taxi driver. Following the initial confrontation, the man exited the vehicle only to return moments later, where he is accused of kicking the driver’s side door, causing significant damage.

In their ongoing investigation, police officers have made public an image of a man present in the vicinity at the time of the reported assault. Authorities are keen to speak with him, suggesting he may hold crucial information that could aid in resolving the case.

The police are urging the individual in question, or anyone who recognises him, to come forward. Members of the community can contribute any information they have by contacting the police through their website's 'Report' page or by calling the non-emergency number 101, referencing the case number NP-20231229-0037.