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A Bradley taxi driver has told how he was racially abused and threatened by a passenger who then kicked a dent in his cab and ran off.

Police were alerted and a response team assisted by the police dogs unit and the police helicopter traced the suspect who has since been arrested.

But this is the second time this year taxi driver Mohammed Naeem, 46, has been a victim of crime and left to foot the bill.

The latest incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, March 6, after he picked up a group of four people at the Hackney Carriage rank on John William Street for a fare to Halifax but they asked to stop at the Total Garage on Halifax Road to go to the cash machine.

But when they had used the cash machine one of the group refused to pay in advance and became aggressive.

Mr Naeem said: “I am an honest man making an honest living. I often find items, mobile phones etc in my cab and I always give them back. I once found £1,000 and gave it back. Its sickening to know that some passengers, thankfully a small minority, are hitting me in the pocket when I go out of my way to help them.

“Police arrived with a dog team and the police helicopter and I gave a statement.”

Taxi driver Mohammed Naeem
Taxi driver Mohammed Naeem

Mr Naeem, who had been a taxi driver for six years, said he later found out a man has been arrested.

But he is still left counting the cost for the damage for the second time this year.

In the early hours of New Year’s Day he also had problems with a passenger in Leeds Road at the Shell Petrol Station when a passenger assaulted him by spitting in his face then smashed the perspex screen which separates the driver’s cab from the rear.

He has still not repaired the damage due to the high cost.

Police have confirmed in relation to the Halifax Road incident a 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and bailed.

Anyone with information should contact police on Huddersfield 101.

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