Taxi driver slashed in his cab

A man has been arrested after an elderly taxi driver was knifed in the face in an unprovoked and vicious attack. The Aqua Taxi driver, thought to be in his 70s, was sliced in the face in Festing Road in Southsea at around 8am on Sunday with a razor blade or a stanley knife.

Ambulance crews were called to the scene at about 7.50am from the taxi firm's central office in Somers Road, Portsmouth. It is thought that the man, who is from Havant, made a desperate plea for help from his taxi radio after the violent attack.

Paramedics said they found the man with blood pouring from his face and believe that he had been cut in the face with a razor blade. An ambulance source said: 'He was also complaining of chest pain, and we learnt that he had a history of angina. 'He was in shock and we suspected that he could have been suffering from a heart attack.'

The man was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital, where he is still being treated for his facial injuries, but he is thought to be recovering well.
Police are now appealing for any witnesses. Detective Sergeant Tina Lowe, of Fratton CID, said: 'It is a very unusual time for this type of attack and at this stage we have no idea why the attack took place. 'There is certainly no obvious motive.'

A 24-year-old man from the Southsea area was arrested yesterday and is being held in police custody, at this stage police are not looking for anyone further in connection with the attack.