Taxi driver attacked by yobs

A group of five youths, aged between 15 and 18, were driven from the Sussex Cars cab office in Eastbourne to North Trade Road in Battle in the early hours of Sunday January 16.

The group had been smoking and eating in the back of the cab, making a mess.

When the driver, a middle-aged man, confronted the youths about ketchup left behind in the back of the car, one member of the group punched him in the face before they all fled.

The man sustained a cut and swelling under his right eye, but did not require treatment.

The attack happened at 5.25am.

One youth was wearing a grey jumper, another was wearing a black hoodie and a third was wearing a white jumper at the time of the assault.

The group were captured on the taxi’s CCTV cameras and the footage is currently being studied by the police.

There were several witnesses to the attack and police say they except to make arrests shortly.

Sergeant Dan Russell, of Battle police, said: “This was an unprovoked assault on a taxi driver just trying to make a living.

“I’m confident that those responsible will be brought to justice and I expect arrests within the next few days.

“This behaviour is not acceptable. Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Anyone with further information about the incident should call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, quoting serial 0352 of 16/1/11.