Muslim taxi driver racially assaulted on New Years Eve

The Worcester News reported yesterday on the alleged racist assault on a Muslim taxi driver on New Year’s Eve. Sajid Bhatti, 33, was parked at a taxi rank outside Worcester Shrub Hill station at 11pm when he was allegedly attacked by a group of people.

Mr Bhatti claims there were three men that targeted him but his brother-in-law said a fellow taxi driver suggested there were as many as 10 men involved in the alleged incident.

Mr Bhatti suffered a fractured skull, a broken nose and an eye haemorrhage in the attack. Salim Khan, Mr Bhatti’s brother-in-law, described him as “black and blue” when he collected him from the A&E unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Two other taxi drivers who tried to intervene to put a stop to the beating also suffered injuries in the alleged incident. British Transport Police said that the other men who were attacked were in their 20s, 30s and 50s.

The local paper reports three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of racially or religiously aggravated assault, one 16 year old and two 18 year olds. All three have been released on bail until 1 February 2017.

Father-of-three Mr Bhatti said “I haven’t got in my cab since. It’s just shocking, I am scared. I don’t feel safe in a taxi.”

The police are appealing for witnesses to call 0800 555 111 or text 61016, quoting reference number 458 31/12/16, if they have information that can assist inquiries.