"I managed to get up and run to the taxi"
Taxi driver Ali Mahboob, aged 44, from Bolton, has spoken about how he was severely beaten in a racist attack. Police have described the attack as “vile”.
Mr Mahboob was attacked by seven teenage boys on Saturday, April 6, 2019, after he asked them to stop throwing stones at his car.
Ali was in Little Hulton, Greater Manchester to pick up a customer. They were inside the taxi when the incident happened just before 1 pm.
The teenagers racially abused and threatened Ali before beating him with sticks.
The victim was able to get up and escape the gang by running to his taxi and driving off.
Mr Mahboob said: “They had a piece of wood and hit me 25, 30 times, I fell over and they were beating me on my back, my head and my face.
“I don’t know how I managed to get up and run to the taxi, how my body managed it but I thought ‘They are killing you’.
“I got into the taxi and I was so exhausted I did not feel any pain, it was only later the pain started, and it was my customer who said I had been injured.”
The victim suffered cuts and bruises to his face and lower back. He went to the hospital for treatment.
“I have two or three lumps on my head, and the back head hurts, and my face it cut.”
The attack and racial abuse left Mr Mahmood feeling very worried.
“One said to me ‘you Muslims, we are going to do to you what happened in New Zealand’. I was very worried, I didn’t work for a few days in that area.
“I asked why would somebody do this, I have not done anyone any wrong.
“I want everyone who reads this to teach their children not to throw stones at people’s cars. This is the fourth time stones have been thrown at my car causing damage, but it could make a driver lose control.
“If my children did this, I would punish them. I went to ask and they attacked me.”
Bolton News reported that the police have appealed for witnesses to come forward to help catch the attackers.
The attackers are said to be white teenage boys who were wearing dark clothing and hooded sweatshirts.
PC Daniel Marshall, of Greater Manchester Police, said:
“Incidents of this nature will never be tolerated in our communities, and we are doing everything we can find those responsible for this vile attack.
“We have been carrying out a number of lines of enquiries since this incident and we are now appealing for the public’s help.
“If you were in the area at the time and you saw anything then please get in touch with police as soon as possible.”
Those with information about the assault should contact police on 0161 856 2836 quoting incident number 1132 of 6/4/19.
Witnesses can also provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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