Taxi driver knocked unconscious in racist attack in Belfast
By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association
A taxi driver in Belfast was knocked unconscious in a racist attack in Belfast, police have said.
The driver was also spat on in the incident which occurred in the Talbot Street area at around 11.10pm on Saturday.
A PSNI spokesperson said the driver, a man in his 30s, was approached by two men and a woman.
We are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of assault on a taxi driver in north Belfast yesterday evening, Saturday 16th May.
We’re treating this report as a racially-motivated hate crime – with enquiries ongoing. Full details: https://t.co/gVTuHKTTJy pic.twitter.com/vPz9QMuWiv— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) May 17, 2026
The spokesperson added: “One of the men became aggressive after he was refused a lift due to a pre-arranged booking already in place.
“He became aggressive, using racial slurs, and proceeded to spit on the taxi driver twice, as well as punching his car window.
“As the taxi driver exited his vehicle, he was punched in the face by the man, causing him to hit the ground and lose consciousness.”
When the driver got up he was punched in the face by the second man, causing cuts to his mouth.
There is no place for hate, racism or violence in our communities, and everyone has the right to feel safe and treated with dignity and respect
The spokesperson continued: “The suspects made off on foot in the direction of the city centre, stopping briefly in the Hill Street area.
“We’re appealing for any information today as our inquiries continue into this unprovoked attack, which is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.
“There is no place for hate, racism or violence in our communities, and everyone has the right to feel safe and treated with dignity and respect.
“The area was fairly busy at the time as would be expected for a Saturday evening, and we’d ask anyone who witnessed this assault to get in touch.”
Police said the woman is described as wearing a black dress, while both men are described as being of muscular build and were wearing a white shirt and red T-shirt.
Anyone with information can call 101 quoting the reference number 1810 16/05/26.
