A taxi driver from Oldham has made an appeal for anyone with information on a gang of youngsters who threw rocks at his standard car taxi to come forward to police.
Unprovoked Attack
Jacob Aigbekaen, who has only been a taxi driver for six weeks, was targeted on Hollinwood Avenue in Chadderton on Thursday 31st March at 7:30pm.
As the youths threw rocks at the taxi Mr Aigbekaen first thought the sound was gun shots. Seeing his window shatter he pulled over to the side of the road and immediately called the police.
Mr Aigbekaen said: “I was driving down Hollinwood Avenue when suddenly I heard my glass smash. It sounded like the shot of a gun. I was very shocked.
“The whole window came down but I managed to pull over and stop. A cyclist came and helped me.
“When the police arrived they took a record of it and asked me if I could drive home. I was in so much shock that I tried to get a hold of my friend to see if he would help me.”
“The police left and the group came back again from the other side of the road.”
Returning for a Second Strike
As the police left the scene and Mr Aigbekaen called his friend, he claims that the group returned. The mob threw another large rock at the taxi, this time smashing the windscreen.
Mr Aigbekaen commented: “The police left and the group came back again from the other side of the road. They threw another big stone at my car, it was so frightening.
“It was a group of four boys aged about ten, 12 and nine. I don’t know them at all because I don’t live in the area.”
Police Appeal
The attack has left 35 year old Mr Aigbekaen shaken and has also meant that he’s had to take his taxi off the road. Struggling to pay the repairs he’s no longer able to earn a living.
Greater Manchester Police said that no arrests had been made but an investigation was underway. Anyone with information about the incident should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.