A Muslim taxi driver from Worcester has described his ordeal after being attacked by a gang of youths in an alleged racist attack, the Worcester News reports.
Sajid Bhatti, 33, says he is scared to go back to cabbing following the vicious attack on New Year’s Eve outside Shrub Hill Station in Worcester.
He told Worcester News: “I haven’t got in my cab since. It’s just shocking, I am scared. I don’t feel safe in a taxi.
Mr Bhatti suffered an eye haemorrhage, a fractured skull and a broken nose.
Police have arrested a 16-year-old male and two 18-year-old men on suspicion of racially or religiously aggravated assault. They have been bailed until February 1.
They also injured two other taxi drivers who tried to end the beating.
Mr Bhatti was parked in the taxi rank outside the station when his vehicle was targeted at around 11pm.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
The father-of-three recalls two or three perpetrators in front of him but his brother-in-law says another driver saw up to 10 people attacking him.
An ambulance took Mr Bhatti, who has lived in Worcester since 2009, to Worcestershire Royal Hospital A&E, after the attack.
He was told he needed a CT scan by an eye specialist he met in Kidderminster on Tuesday.
Mr Bhatti who is originally from Pakistan wanted to protect his new taxi which he bought in April.
He was so scared after the attack, Mr Bhatti chose to partially cover his face for Worcester News’ photograph.
Salim Khan, Mr Bhatti’s brother-in-law, said: “I think they are cowards. If it was one-on-one then it’s fair but a whole gang is not on.
“He has kids to feed. He has bills to pay. We want protection. Drivers were scared to come out as they are scared of losing their badge.
“We want council backing that in self-defence we can protect ourselves and our property.”
Mr Khan, 39, went to visit his brother-in-law in hospital and says he was “black and blue” with a bent nose and blood everywhere.
British Transport Police say three men in their 20s, 30s and 50s were assaulted in the incident and all suffered facial injuries.
The police are appealing for witnesses to call 0800 555 111 or text 61016, quoting reference number 458 31/12/16.
