18/05/2026
Police Appeal Following Racially-Motivated Assault on Taxi Driver
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is appealing for witnesses and information after a taxi driver was subjected to a racially-motivated assault in north Belfast.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:10pm on Saturday 16 May in the Talbot Street area. A taxi driver, a man in his 30s, was approached by two men and a woman. One of the men became aggressive after being informed that the vehicle was unavailable due to a pre-arranged booking.
The suspect used racial slurs, spat on the driver twice, and punched the car window. When the driver got out of the vehicle, the man punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground and causing him to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, the second man struck the victim in the face again, causing cuts to his mouth.
The three suspects then fled on foot towards the city centre, stopping briefly on Hill Street. The woman is described as wearing a black dress, while both men are described as having a muscular build; one was wearing a white shirt and the other a red t-shirt.
Inspector Moutray said: "We're appealing for any information today as our enquiries 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.
"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 us on 101 quoting the reference number 1810 16/05/26 – or ring 999 in an emergency."
Members of the public can also submit details using the online non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:10pm on Saturday 16 May in the Talbot Street area. A taxi driver, a man in his 30s, was approached by two men and a woman. One of the men became aggressive after being informed that the vehicle was unavailable due to a pre-arranged booking.
The suspect used racial slurs, spat on the driver twice, and punched the car window. When the driver got out of the vehicle, the man punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground and causing him to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, the second man struck the victim in the face again, causing cuts to his mouth.
The three suspects then fled on foot towards the city centre, stopping briefly on Hill Street. The woman is described as wearing a black dress, while both men are described as having a muscular build; one was wearing a white shirt and the other a red t-shirt.
"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.
"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 us on 101 quoting the reference number 1810 16/05/26 – or ring 999 in an emergency."
Members of the public can also submit details using the online non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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