Taxi driver’s nose broken during racially motivated attack by two passengers

Police in Plymouth are appealing for information after a Romanian taxi driver suffered a broken nose during an attack by two male passengers.

The 46-year-old driver picked up three male passengers and a female from the taxi rank on Derry’s Cross in the city centre at around 4.30am on Sunday 2 February.

Upon dropping the female off at Hudson Road, Eggbuckland, a verbal altercation broke out between the men and the driver, who stopped the taxi in the forecourt at Tesco Express on Eggbuckland Road.

One of the men got out of the taxi and attempted to hit the driver, while also being verbally abusive to him.

The taxi driver then drove to Sherwell Arcade on North Hill, Mutley, with the other two men. Here, one of the men told the driver to “go back to your own country” before punching him in the face. Another of the men also punched the driver to the face several times. Both suspects are thought to be in their early 20s.

The driver suffered a broken nose and facial bruising in the attack.

Police would like to speak to the man pictured because it is believed he may have vital information about the incident.

Anyone who recognises the man, witnessed the incident, or has any information which could assist the police investigation, is asked to contact police on 101 or by emailing 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference CR/009684/20.

Image credit: Devon and Cornwall Police