Taxi driver attacked in Bognor

The male was hit three times during the late night robbery. It took place at about 12.30am yesterday morning (Sunday, November 23) in East Preston.

Sgt Peter Allan, of Littlehampton police station, said: "This was a particularly nasty assault against a taxi driver who has sustained facial injuries as a result of this incident."

The driver had been called to an address in Montpelier Road in East Preston to pick up a fare. The street was in darkness so he left his taxi to find the property.

As he began to look around, a man appeared from behind a hedge and asked if he was the driver.

He replied he was and began to walk back towards his vehicle.

Without provocation, the suspect hit him around his left eye with a piece of wood. He then struck the driver close to his right eye, saying 'Give me your money'.

The driver recognised the voice as the man he had just seen and gave him some cash from his pocket.

But he was then assaulted for a third time and received further demands for cash.

He threw some loose coins at the suspect before he ran to his taxi and locked the doors.

He didn't see where his attacker went but he believed he was talking to another person.

A brief description by the driver says the robber was a 19-year-old male, of skinny build, with a pasty complexion, 5ft 8in tall and with blond hair. He wore a grey hoodie.

Any information about the incident should be given to DC Thomas at Littlehampton police station on 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

'¢ Sgt Allen has urged drivers who might find themselves in a similar situation to be cautious.

"Although incidents such as this are very rare, I would like to offer some advice to taxi or fast food delivery drivers," he said.

"If they find themselves in circumstances where they believe there is something suspicious about the person who has ordered their service, they should contact their control, asking that they recontact the customer."

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