Bentilee schoolboy, 14, has his front teeth knocked out after being punched by cabbie
A 14-year-old boy has told how his two front teeth were knocked out – after being punched in the face by a taxi driver.
Mason Taylor claims the cabbie drove at him before getting out and attacking him in retaliation for an egg being thrown at his vehicle in Bentilee.
Now the teenager and his family have asked witnesses to come forward with information to help catch the man responsible.
The assault happened on Saturday afternoon after a member of Mason's group of friends chucked the egg at a taxi.
The Discovery Academy pupil said: "The taxi chased me, came up on the pathway and knocked me over. Then he cornered me and just hit me.
My two front teeth snapped. My mouth was bleeding."
The driver then left the scene, at the junction of Dividy Road and Calvary Crescent, and Mason went to a friend's house.
His parents were alerted and took him to the Royal Stoke University Hospital to be treated.
He is now recovering and is missing his last week at school before the Christmas holidays.
Mason's dad Gary Taylor, aged 50, said: "When I saw him I broke down, I felt so helpless. I can't understand how a man could hit a boy like that. It's absolutely horrible.
"We couldn't send him to school the way he is, it has really knocked his confidence.
"If anyone has any information, or has any CCTV of that area, please come forward to help catch the man responsible."
The dental work Mason now needs cannot be carried out until the swelling in his mouth subsides. The family are hoping he can be treated before they travel to Lanzarote on Sunday for Christmas.
Mason, who lives in Frodingham Road, Bentilee, with his mum, dad and 13-year-old brother, said: "I feel angry and upset. I'm in a lot of pain and I feel embarrassed I've lost my teeth.
"I know he shouldn't have thrown the egg, but the driver shouldn't have hit me. I hope he gets caught."
Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward after being alerted to the incident at 5.25pm on Saturday.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "The incident happened between 5pm and 5.15pm when a 14-year-old boy was assaulted by a motorist.
"The boy was taken to hospital where he received treatment for facial injuries.
"An investigation into the assault is ongoing and witnesses are urged to come forward.
"As part of their inquiries officers are also investigating suspected anti-social behaviour in the area at the time."
Asked about whether the teenager had been struck by the car, the spokesman added: "There are still a number of people that have not yet been spoken to in relation to the incident and the investigation into this matter is continuing to ascertain the circumstances. We are unable to confirm any details at this stage of the investigation."
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 558 of December 10.
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