Taxi driver attacked and hijacked in Coalisland

Q Newsdesk

A taxi driver has been left badly shaken after being attacked by a group of passengers who then hijacked his car in the Gortgonis Road area of Coalisland.

Three men got into the car on Platers Hill just before half two this morning.

Poilce say, while travelling, the men changed their destination, and when the driver refused to go there, he was choked and hit on the head.

He managed to get out of the car, which was then driven off, and later found abandoned on the Gortgonis Road.

Detective Sergeant Robinson said: “It was reported, just before 2.25am, that three males jumped into a taxi on Platers Hill. "

“While travelling, the men advised the taxi driver of a change of destination, and when the driver refused to take them there, he was assaulted.  He was choked and hit on the head, but managed to get out of the car."

“The suspects then drove off in the car – a silver-coloured Skoda Octavia, which was later found abandoned on the Gortgonis Road."

“One of the men is described as wearing a black top, and another is described as being smaller in build with a goatee beard."

“As you can imagine, this was a traumatic ordeal, which has left a man badly shaken."

“I am appealing to anyone with information, or who may have noticed the Skoda Octavia, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 275 of 08/12/19.”

"Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."