Chelmsford: CCTV After Driver Assault

18 May 2013, 06:00

Essex Police have released CCTV of three men they would like to speak to after an attack on a Chelmsford taxi driver.

Three men took a taxi from Baddow Road to North Avenue in Chelmsford in the early hours of May 11.

On arrival they have punched the 32 year old taxi driver, from east London in the face and made off without paying the fare.

Taxi drivers we spoke to have told Heart they don't feel safe driving at night.

Ali Sharif, from Essex Cars said: 'We having been hearing every week there is a new story in this rank about it.

'My car was done two weeks ago, it was a £7 job, they did £70 damage on the car.

'We don't feel safe, we don't know what people are going to do, when they get to their destination. If you ask for money up front they get nasty and say they don't trust us.'

Driver, John Cane, the former Chairman of Chelmsford Taxi Association, said: 'It's certainly put me off driving at night, I wouldn't say I don't feel safe, but I just don't want to do it any more. I'm old enough to semi-retire, but there are people who rely on it for their living and the main time you can earn money is at night.'

Anyone who recognises the men is asked to contact Pc Ben Williams at Chelmsford police station on 101.