A taxi driver in Cleethorpes has said that he will return to the trade after being subjected to a terrifying experience in which he was stabbed and robbed of his Ford Mondeo taxi.
The Attack
72 year old Ron Farmer was working on his usual shift in the early hours of Tuesday morning when he picked up his passenger from the taxi rank in Market Place, Cleethorpes.
The passenger asked Mr Farmer to take him to Weelsby Road in Grimsby and en route the passenger asked him to pull over so that he could pick-up his brother.
Recalling the ordeal, Mr Farmer, said: “We got near to the King George V stadium and he started talking but I couldn’t understand him. He then asked me to pull over so that we could pick up his brother.”
“I stopped as requested and the next thing I knew he had his arm around my neck and was demanding money.”
It was as at this point that the journey took a nasty turn and Mr Farmer found himself in a frightening situation.
He continued: “I stopped as requested and the next thing I knew he had his arm around my neck and was demanding money.
“I grappled with him but then he pulled out a knife. I tried to grab the arm with the knife but he got free and started slashing me.
“Somehow we ended up outside of the car and I was down on the ground. I was screaming for help and a few people came out of their homes. He got a fright and took off in the car.”
After what he says was a lucky escape, Mr Farmer is now back at home recovering. Receiving treatment, for stab wounds to his neck, chest, arm and wrist at Grimsby’s Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Mr Farmer said he can’t thank the staff enough for their “excellent care”.
Police Appeal
Mr Farmer’s Ford Mondeo taxi was recovered on Cottesmore Road shortly after the attack and is being held for forensic testing. Humberside Police released an appeal for any witnesses of the crime or anyone with information to come forward.
A spokeswoman said: “Enquiries are very much ongoing including house-to-house visits and exploring any possible forensic opportunities. Witness accounts are being gathered and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log number 32 of July 19, 2016.”
Returning to Work
Despite the attacker still roaming the streets Mr Farmer isn’t afraid to get back behind the wheel of his cab.
He commented: “I’m not going to let it get to me and I’ll try to put it behind me. Obviously I’m going to be a bit more wary in future but I’d be out tonight if I had my car back. I’m not ready to retire. What would I do?”
We’re glad to hear that Mr Farmer is on the mend and wish him all the best in his return to work.