Cabbie taken to hospital after assault by passenger

A DUNDEE taxi driver has been taken to hospital after being “badly beaten” by a passenger.

Police Scotland have launched an investigation after a serious assault on Annan Terrace, off Ann Street, shortly before 7pm on Monday.

It’s understood the Tele Taxis driver had picked up a fare on Ward Road before he was attacked by one of the passengers in the Hilltown area of the city.

The 47-year-old victim was rushed to Ninewells Hospital with facial injuries though the extent of his injuries are not yet known.

A spokesman for Tele Taxis confirmed the assault and said staff at the firm have tried to find out how he is doing but have had no luck.

He said: “It was a street pick-up so there were no phone numbers or details like that.

“I’ve been trying to find out this morning (the driver’s condition) but I’ve not been getting any joy.

“I’ve been phoning about all morning, but I’ve not been getting any joy.

“I couldn’t even tell you if he’s still in hospital or not.

“It’s not an easy job nowadays. Just trying to earn a living and you get that – it’s not nice.”

One anonymous fellow cab driver described the incident as “terrifying”.

He said: “There was apparently a message that went out saying a driver had been ‘badly beaten’ in the Ann Street area.

“I don’t know the person but it’s terrifying to think that he’s been put in hospital whilst he’s just doing his job.

“The message was telling other drivers to be on the lookout, as the person responsible hadn’t been caught.”

Another taxi driver said the man that was attacked had only recently started in his position.

He said: “We’ve heard the guy’s in hospital now following the attack.

“I don’t know how old he is but he’s not long started as a driver.

“He picked up two people near the BT building on Ward Road before the incident.

“I’m just hoping the guy’s injuries aren’t too bad and the police catch the person responsible.

“To be subjected to this sort of behaviour is horrendous.

“There has been a description put out (on the Tele Taxis radio system) for the male who attacked him.

“I’m just hoping the guy’s injuries aren’t too bad and the police catch the person responsible.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers received a report of a man being seriously assaulted by another man on Annan Terrace in Dundee around 5.35pm on Monday December 27 2021.

“A 47-year-old man was taken to Ninewells Hospital for treatment for facial injuries.

“Inquiries are ongoing.

“The suspect is described as white, of medium build, wearing a red, puffastyle jacket and was last seen heading westwards on Ann Street towards Hilltown.

“If anyone saw any person around that time fitting the description or has any information in relation to the incident, call 101, quoting incident 2503 of December 27.”

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