Two men beat taxi driver

Lower Hutt Police are currently investigating an Aggravated Robbery of a local Taxi driver in Lower Hutt, at about 9.30pm on the 11th September 2007.

The Taxi Driver uplifted two males in central Lower Hutt and took them to Naenae Road, Lower Hutt.

There he was set upon by the two men and badly beaten, whilst demands were made for his money.

The driver agreed to hand over his money and was allowed out of his taxi to do so.

One of his two assailants then got into the drivers' seat and drove off in the taxi.

The taxi was located a short time later by Police on State Highway 2, in the Belmont area.

A pursuit occurred and the taxi was successfully stopped in Raroa Road, Lower Hutt.

A 23 year old male was arrested and has been presently charged with Aggravated Robbery, Excess Breath Alcohol, Failing to Stop and Dangerous Driving.

Further charges may result once investigations have been completed.

Police are still seeking the second offender in this matter.

"We are looking for a male Maori or Polynesian, aged in his early twenties and of a medium build.' says Detective Sergeant Brent Murray of Lower Hutt Police.

'He is likely to have links to the Naenae area.'

'We would like to hear from anyone who saw a white Hutt and City Taxi acting suspiciously in Naenae Road, the Naenae area or in Grounsell Crescent, Belmont, from 9.30pm to 10pm that night.' requests Detective Sergeant Murray.

The Taxi Driver is a 61 year old male.

'He suffered several facial cuts and bruising in this callous attack.' stated Detective Sergeant Murray.

The driver has received medical attention for his injuries and his being comforted by family members.