Exeter taxi driver subject to coronavirus taunts before being attacked

A taxi driver has been taunted about coronavirus and attacked while picking up passengers in Exeter City Centre.

The 35-year-old driver, of Asian descent, allegedly picked up four people from a taxi rank outside John Lewis before he was racially abused about where he was from and whether he had coronavirus.

After getting into the car, one of the male passengers repeatedly slapped the driver on the back of his head while he was driving.

When he stopped to let the group out on New North Road, they started kicking the 35-year-old before head-butting him - leaving him needing stitches.

The attack happened at around 12.30am on Sunday 16 February.

The driver also had his car key and £120 cash stolen.

One of the passengers is described as a white male in his 20s, with a South African accent. He was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and trainers.

The other is also described as a white man, between 35 and 40 years old with a stocky build and wearing a black coat.

Police want anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to get in touch with them.