A TAXI driver was head butted and punched by a customer in Ellesmere Port on Sunday (January 31).

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the assault which occurred at around 6.30pm.

The male offender had taken a taxi from The Groves club, Chester Road, Ellesmere Port to the junction of Ledsham Road and the A41, where he used a cash machine. He did not pay the taxi fare and instead got into another taxi and journeyed to the Halfway House, A41, Childer Thornton.

Police spokesperson Shelley Williams said: “He became aggressive in the taxi and upon arrival at The Halfway house he was challenged by the taxi drivers to pay his fare. The male head butted and punched a taxi driver to the face.”

The victim, who is a 42 year old local man, received significant facial injuries as a result of the assault.

A 25 year old man, also from Ellesmere Port, was arrested on suspicion of assault in relation to the incident and making off without payment and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

The police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to contact DC Price at Chester CID on 0845-4580000 or alternatively information can be left anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.