Devon taxi driver injured while cab stolen at knifepoint
A popular taxi driver is recovering from a terrifying ordeal in which he was allegedly threatened at knifepoint, assaulted, mugged and had his cab stolen.
Chris Marks, who is in his late 60s and is a well-respected taxi driver in Barnstaple, was working in the early hours of Sunday morning, February 13, when he went to pick up a passenger and was attacked.
The incident took place in Fort Terrace at around 4am.
During the attack, he is said to sustained injuries including a cut on his face and a black eye.
The taxi has since been recovered.
A 25-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman from the Barnstaple area were arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
As Chris is currently unable to work, an online fundraiser has been set up to help with the loss of earnings and to put towards a well-earned break.
It has been set up by Liane Taylor, a tenant and friend of Chris. It has so far raised nearly £150 of a £2,000 target.
She said: "Chris is a very well-known and respected person around Barnstaple. He is like a father to me and I, and many people in this town, love and respect him dearly.
"He’s pretty much been taxi driving all of his life. Last night he was held at knifepoint and badly beaten. He has a cut on his face and a blackeye.
"What happened was somebody called him for a taxi and that person then got into the taxi while another person opened the driver-side door and put a knife to his throat.
"Chris was dragged out of the car seat and he was left there because they stole his taxi which has since been recovered. They also stole all of his belongings, including his mobile phone and money.
"Chris came to Fever & Boutique to get me to use my phone and for our door staff to help him which they did and assisted him and called the police.
"Nothing like this has ever happened to him before. Obviously, during Covid, it was been financially difficult for him so I am just trying to make him some money with the GoFundMe page because he needs some time off to recover.
"His gold necklace and his rings were stolen so hopefully we can raise enough so he can buy his jewels back. His famous hat was also taken as well.
"Chris is like a father to me. He’s such a kind person and would do anything for anyone. I’m so lucky to have him and his wife Mary in my life."
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called to reports of a robbery and assault in Fort Terrace, Barnstaple, at around 4am on Sunday, February 13.
"A taxi driver reported that he had been threatened at knifepoint and assaulted and his taxi had been taken along with some other property.
"The taxi driver sustained minor injuries and the vehicle has since been recovered.
"Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that would help their investigation."
If you witnessed the incident, have any information or dashcam footage that could help the police with their enquiries, please email
101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting crime reference CR/013087/22.
To donate to the fundraiser please click here.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/chris-marks? ... e=customer
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