Northern Ireland

Police appeal following racist assault on taxi driver in Belfast city centre

A man became aggressive, and used racial slurs, in an unprovoked attack against the driver late on Saturday night

Taxi drivers in Belfast have been left 'fearful' following an attack in east Belfast, BBC Radio Ulster has heard.
A man became aggressive, and used racial slurs, on the driver late on Saturday night.
By Emma Gallagher

The PSNI are are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of an assault on a taxi driver in north Belfast.

The unprovoked attack is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.

Inspector Moutray said that police received a report at approximately 11.10pm on Saturday, 16 May that a taxi driver, a man aged in his 30s, was in the Talbot Street area when he was approached by two men and a woman.

Inspector Moutray said: “The man, in his 30s, was approached by two men and a woman in the Talbot Street area of the city around 11:10pm.

“One of the men reportedly got aggressive after he was refused a lift due to a pre-arranged booking already in place.

“The man became verbally aggressive, using racial slurs - as well as spitting on the taxi driver twice, and punching his taxi window.”

As the driver exited his vehicle, the man reportedly punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness briefly. As he stood up, he was punched once more by the man.

The three suspects then moved towards the city centre on foot, stopping briefly at the Hill Street area.

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Police are appealing for anyone with information on the attack to come forward. PICTURE: Allan Baxter (Allan Baxter/Getty Images)

“We’re appealing for any information today as our enquiries continue into this unprovoked attack, which is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.

“There is no place for hate, racism or violence in our communities, and everyone has the right to feel safe and treated with dignity and respect.” said Inspector Moutray.

“The area was fairly busy at the time as would be expected for a Saturday evening. We’d ask anyone who witnessed this assault to get in touch.”

The woman was reported to be wearing a black dress, while both men are described as being of muscular build and were wearing a white shirt and red t-shirt.

Anyone with information on the assault, can contact police using 101 number, quoting the reference number 1810 16/05/26

Submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.