Taxi driver attacked trying to save homeless man set upon by gang of youths
A taxi driver was punched when she tried to help a homeless man who was being attacked by a gang of youths.
Suzie Brookes is a driver for Ekspres Cars in Truro, Cornwall, and was picking up a teenage customer who had been set upon by a group of teenagers.
Once the girl was in her taxi, the group of teens, believed to be around 15 years old, turned their attentions to a homeless man.
Suzie, 30, was punched in the side of the head as she tried to intervene during the incident on Sunday evening.
The teens even kicked her car and pulled off one of her windscreen wipers as she tried to drive away.
Suzie explained: ‘On Sunday afternoon at around 5.30pm I had a taxi booking from a parent to pick up her child, from Truro Bus Station to go to Newquay.
‘While doing this the girl was attacked by 15-year-olds, and after getting the female in the car, the group of 15 or so teens attacked a homeless man called Danny.
‘I called the police and did my best to protect Danny. The youths ran off but came back with more people.
‘Two of the boys attacked Danny, I stood in front of him and one of the boys punched myself in the side of my head.
‘I ended up putting Danny in the taxi and took him up to Truro police station.’
Describing the impact of the attack, Suzie explained: ‘I’m still anxious and jumpy whilst working but the attack was more aimed at Danny.
‘I was trying my best to prevent them from attacking him and the girl and I got punched in the side of my head. I’ve had ringing in my ear and keep getting pains in my temple.
‘I couldn’t drive away. I tried my best to prevent it getting worse and got punched myself by one of the boys.
‘I had to do something to protect a man that was just walking though town. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I drove away and he got serious injuries.’
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: ‘Police were notified at around 5.45pm on December 17 to reports of a fight between several people on Back Quay in Truro.
‘Officers attended the scene where a man in his 30s was found to have minor hand and facial injuries. A woman who tried to help was also punched in the incident.
‘Enquiries are continuing to identify suspects.’
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