Race attack denial

POLICE have denied any racial motive after a man’s ears were badly damaged as he was dragged along the floor by a taxi following a dispute over a fare.

Police say the 23-year-old victim was in the taxi on Dowry Street, Oldham, shortly before 1am on Saturday.

After arguing with the driver, he got out but was caught in the door and dragged along the floor by the car as it drove off, leaving him with injuries to his face and body.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries. The incident is being talked about on far right websites where there are claims that the man had his ears cut off as he was attacked and robbed by Asian men.

Police say there is no evidence of a racial attack.

Det Insp Javid Pervaiz said: “We are treating this as a dispute between a taxi driver and a passenger. There is no evidence of any racial aggravation. Any sort of speculation about racism is both misleading and unhelpful.

“What is important is to stick to the facts. We have made an arrest but we are continuing with our inquiries.”