Taxi Driver Assaulted in Suspected Racially-Motivated Hate Crime in North Belfast

A taxi driver was assaulted and knocked unconscious in north Belfast on Saturday night after refusing a lift due to a pre-arranged booking. Police are treating the incident as a racially-motivated hate crime and are appealing for witnesses.

Taxi Driver Attacked in Talbot Street Area

Police are appealing for information after a taxi driver was assaulted in what is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime in north Belfast.

According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the incident happened at approximately 11.10pm on Saturday 16 May in the Talbot Street area.

The victim, a man in his 30s, had reportedly refused a lift to a group because he already had a pre-arranged booking in place.

Driver Allegedly Subjected to Racial Abuse

Inspector Moutray said one of the men became aggressive after being refused the lift.

Police say the man used racial slurs towards the taxi driver before allegedly spitting on him twice and punching the vehicle’s window.

When the driver got out of the car, he was reportedly punched in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.

A second man then allegedly punched him again after he regained his footing, leaving the victim with cuts to his mouth.

Suspects Fled Towards Belfast City Centre

The suspects are believed to have made off on foot towards Belfast city centre, briefly stopping in the Hill Street area.

Police described the woman as wearing a black dress. The two men were both described as muscular build, with one wearing a white shirt and the other a red t-shirt.

Inspector Moutray said:

“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.”

Police Appeal for Witnesses

The area was reportedly busy at the time due to it being a Saturday evening, and detectives believe there may have been multiple witnesses.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1810 16/05/26.