Caught on camera: Three wanted after 'racially motivated' assault on city centre taxi driver
These CCTV images capture three men wanted in connection with a 'racially motivated' assault on a taxi driver who was left with a fractured jaw.
Police say the attack happened shortly after the taxi was flagged down in Birmingham city centre by a group of men asking to be taken to Smethwick.
The driver pulled up outside a club in the centre of Broad Street at around 3am on August 2 after he was hailed by the group.
The men asked to go to Smethwick but when the driver requested they pay for their fare in advance they refused.
Officers say the men then began to bang on the cab and hurl racist insults at the driver who tried to get out of the car and flag down some help.
When he stepped out of the car, he was immediately pounced upon by the men and punched repeatedly, leaving him with a fractured jaw and severe bruising.
Detective Constable Sarah McDonnell, from West Midlands Police, said:
"Due to the language used during the attack, we are treating this as racially motivated.
"We take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously: it will not be tolerated and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
"Despite numerous inquiries at the scene - speaking to witnesses and gathering CCTV - we are yet to identify those behind the assault.
"We are now keen to speak to the men circled in these images as we believe they may have information relevant to our investigation. I would urge anyone who knows their identity to call us."
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
