Taxi driver held up stabbed and robbed in shocking incident

Local taxi drivers are being warned to be on the alert following an horrific attack in the early hours of this morning in which an Athlone taxi driver was held up, stabbed and robbed.

The taxi driver sustained wounds to his face, hands and thumb, which subsequently required twelve stitches.

The man was also said to have sustained some 30 puncture marks to the neck and face after the shocking incident.

His ordeal took place at around 1.30am this morning, after he picked up two young men at the taxi rank in Dublingate Street.

Whilst on his way to Coosan, the two youths produced what's understood to have been knives of some sort and proceeded to demand the driver hand over all the cash in the car. 

When the taxi driver attempted to engage the intercom in the car, he was stabbed in the hand. He was also tied up around the neck with the seat belt and beaten by the youths.

Whilst demanding money, the youths prodded him continuously with the knife, causing the numerous puncture wounds.

He was robbed of his night's takings and float and of his watch.

The owner of the firm involved told the Westmeath Independent that he wanted to alert other taxi drivers following the horrific incident.

They fled from the taxi near to the entrance to Bloomfield Drive and made their getaway on foot.

The driver was brought to Portiuncula hospital for treatment but has since been released. He is, however, said to be shaken by the incident.

Gardai have confirmed they are investigating the attack.

The owner of the company said he was shocked at the incident. He said when he retrieved the car, it was covered in blood. 

He said the company wanted to highlight the incident to ensure no other driver went through a similar ordeal.

'I wouldn't like something like this to happen to any other driver. All we are trying to do is to make a living and to provide a service to people.'