Cabbie attack probe

New Year’s Eve passengers may hold vital clues
POLICE are looking to trace two women who could hold vital clues after a taxi driver was robbed in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The drama unfolded around 4am when the 40-year-old driver picked up two men and two women from Oldham town centre.

The two women got out on Copper Fold, Middleton.

When the cab reached near-by Nowell Road, the two men told the driver to hand over the car keys and his money. When he refused, one of the men punched him.

The driver then tried to run off but was chased down by the robbers who punched and kicked him to the ground before stealing cash and fleeing.

The victim, who worked for Diamond Cars, in Rochdale Road, Middleton, has been unable to provide police with a description of the thugs.

Officers are now appealing for the two women who earlier shared a taxi with the men to get in touch.

Det Con Janice Cruttwell, of Rochdale CID, said: “I want to stress that the women are not in any trouble — we simply believe they could hold vital information about the offenders.”

Anyone with information should call poilce on 0161-856 4646 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.