Taxi driver suffers knife wounds after attack in broad daylight

George Pope Road in Norwich where a taxi driver was attacked in broad day light on Mothers Day. Picture: Staff (Image: Archant)

The incident took place in George Pope Road, Norwich, at around 11.45am on Sunday March 31.

The driver of a white Hyundia taxi, who works for ABC Taxis, had just completed a job in the street near to George Pope Close when their vehicle was approached by a man on a grey bicycle.

The man threatened the male taxi driver while demanding money and after causing minor wounds to the driver's stomach, stole the days takings before cycling off towards Penn Grove.

Following the incident police and the ambulance service were called to the street, with residents reporting police officers remained on the scene until around 2.30pm.

Fran Wright, who has lived in George Pope Road for 11 years, described the events of Sunday lunchtime as shocking: 'It seems that over the last few years there have been quite of a lot of things going on [in the area].

'It's normally so quiet, so it seems to be a bit of shock,' she said.

Another resident who wished to remain anonymous said: 'We heard the police and the ambulance arrive, but we didn't think much of it, you hear them all the time.'

Adding that they had lived in the street for 30-years, they said: 'It shakes you up a bit when you hear of these things. Nothing like this has happened before, but unfortunately you can be anywhere in the world and it can happen. That's life.'

Lucy Jack, 33, who has lived in George Pope Street for about five years but grew up in the area, echoed her neighbours' concerns.

'Of course it's shocked me, I've got four children and it's not very nice. It seems that there are more and more of [these sorts of incidents] all the time.

'It's shocking and a bit scary, most of the people down this street have children and are families. I don't like to go out to my car at night, I'm fed up with it.

'I just wish there was something that could be done about it, because it's terrible,' she said.

ABC Taxis, based in Paddock Street in Norwich, confirmed that one of its drivers had been stabbed on Sunday but would not give further details.

Following the incident, police are appealing for information and have issued a description of the cyclist who is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall and at the time of the incident was wearing a grey jacket and a dark coloured cap.

DC Dan Hedges, Norwich CID, said: 'While this must have been a shocking incident for the driver, he was fortunate that he didn't receive more serious injuries.

'It is therefore really important that we trace the person who committed this offence and I would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident take place or has further information regarding the suspect.'

Anyone with information should contact DC Hedges at Norwich CID on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.