Taxi driver attacked and robbed by gang in Pilton

Police are appealing for witnesses following a racially-motivated assault and robbery that took place on West Pilton Place on Sunday 5th March.

The incident happened around 6.55 pm when a group of around 10 youths attacked a taxi driver, dragging him out of his stationary vehicle onto the road. A number of girls and young women were involved in the incident.

One of the suspects also jumped onto the taxi bonnet and smashed the windscreen. A three-figure sum of cash was stolen from the taxi.

The same youths had earlier stepped out in front of his taxi at the junction with Crewe Road Gardens and West Pilton Place, forcing him to stop and stealing an item from his boot.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed this assault or the earlier incident to get in contact.

The suspects are described as being male and female aged between 14 and 20-years-old. The male who jumped on the taxi is described as white, tall, of slim build and was wearing a red top.

Detective constable Euan Hair said: “We are treating this assault and robbery as racially motivated and are determined to track down these suspects as quickly as possible.

“This man was simply going about his legitimate business and he has a right to do so without being assaulted.

“There is no place for racism in our communities and we will use all resources available to deal with those responsible swiftly.”

The driver, a Bangladeshi man who lives in Boswall Parkway, was unhurt but left severely traumatised by the incident.

The driver first encountered the group in Crewe Road Gardens while he was on his way to pick up a passenger. His progress was halted when a group of three or your youths blocked the road, and were quickly joined by more – it’s thought ten to twelve youths were involved.

The gang opened the private car’s boot and pasenger doors, stealing sweets. They then made off and the driver then continued on his journey to his fare in nearby West Pilton Place..

While waiting for his passenger, however, the gang returned to attack the driver again. Two girls and  a number of youths grabbed his collar  and pulled him out of the car while others opened all other doors,searched the car and stole around £150. One youth also jumped on to the bonnet of the car and kicked in the car’s windscreen.

Following the assault and robbery the gang made off towards Ferry Road Drive,

It’s possible that these incident was not racially motivated, rather an opportunist robbery – but that will be of no consolation to the terrified taxi driver who was going about his business, just trying to make a living.

These incidents happened just before 7pm on Sunday evening – somebody must have seen something.

Anyone with information that can assist officers with their inquiries is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.