Teenage girls stab Airdrie taxi driver
Mar 2 2011 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge
A TERRIFIED taxi driver was stabbed in an attack by three vicious teenage girls.
One of the attackers – possibly aged as young as 14 – tried to knife the driver in the head after the vehicle stopped in Shanks Street, Airdrie.
Detectives hunting the vile trio described the incident as “shocking” and have urged the public to contact them with any information.
The driver, who works for Chapelhall firm Penny Cars, was left with a badly cut hand as he tried to protect himself.
He had to attend Monklands Hospital for treatment and has not returned to work since the incident, which occurred last Wednesday at around 2.10am.
In defending himself, the driver, believed to be from Coatbridge, may have injured one of the attackers.
DC Gillian Mason from Coatbridge CID, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a shocking attack on a taxi driver who was at his work.
“We would urge anyone with information that could help us identify those responsible to come forward.”
The knife attack took place in Shanks Street, near Chapel Street, after the driver had picked up the girls in the Hamilton Drive area of nearby Rawyards.
It is unknown if Shanks Street was the intended destination but the distance between the pick-up and drop-off points is only a few hundred yards.
The Advertiser was unable to establish whether the driver had travelled the full distance requested by the trio.
But after he stopped at the side of the road and asked for his fare, the situation turned nasty.
A source said: “He asked for the money and then one of them tried to stab him on the head.
“They then ran off and the driver called his office who called the police.
“Because of the injuries to his hand, he drove immediately to Monklands Hospital for treatment.”
Penny Cars boss Colin Skinner said: “The driver is not back at work yet but I hope he makes a speedy recovery from his injuries.
“This was a terrible incident and I hope that perpetrators are caught.”
CID at Coatbridge police office have issued descriptions of the three suspects. One is said to be aged 14 to 16, 5ft 2in tall, with a stocky build, dark brown curly hair, tanned complexion and wearing a dark jacket.
The second suspect is described as 14 to 16 years of age, 5ft 2in tall, with a slim build, dark brown hair and wearing a red jacket with a white scarf over her face. And the third suspect is said to be 14 to 16 years of age, 5ft tall, with a heavy build, dark brown hair and wearing a dark jacket.
Call DC Gillian Mason at Coatbridge CID on 01236 502059 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to help the police with their enquiries.
Source:
Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Login
Register
FAQ
