Leicester taxi driver is punched, kicked and spat on by passenger A taxi driver has had to have major surgery on his eye socket after being brutally assaulted by a passenger.
Mirza Ahmed was punched with a knuckleduster, kicked, spat on and subjected to a torrent of racist abuse by the man, who had refused to pay a fare.
Mirza Ahmed
The attack happened outside St Margaret's bus station, Leicester, on Sunday morning.Mr Ahmed, of Stoneygate, Leicester, said: "As I came out from the cab, he just gave me two big blows, and before I knew it, I was bleeding.
"It's very scary because I hadn't done anything wrong and he was abusive to me.
"I feel really shaky now and think it's not worth doing this job. I'm crying and having nightmares."
Mr Ahmed, 56, picked up the passenger outside the bus station and took him to Humberstone Gate.
However, when they got there, the man refused to pay.
Mr Ahmed drove to the car park of nearby Mansfield House police station, where he twice dialled 999.
At this point, the passenger managed to get his hand through the taxi's front seat divider screen and tried to reach the driver's neck.
Mr Ahmed agreed to take the man back to the bus station free of charge.
The attack happened when they arrived there, shortly after 10am.
After speaking to police at the scene, Mr Ahmed, a father of five, drove himself to hospital, where he had to have 15 stitches following surgery.
His attacker was chased by another taxi driver but disappeared into the Haymarket shopping centre.
Mr Ahmed, who has worked as a taxi driver for nine years and has lived in Leicester for 45, said nothing like it had happened to him before.
"We're so good in Leicester, we're an example to the world," he said. "I tell my customers who come from elsewhere to come and live here in harmony with us but this has shocked me."
A police spokesman said: "Officers arrived at the scene in less than 10 minutes. He received an injury to his eye and attended the Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment.
"Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward."
The suspect was black, 6ft and slim, with slim facial features and short black hair. He was wearing a red and blue checked shirt and grey trousers.
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
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