Hunt for hijackers who attacked taxi driver

The taxi picked up three men outside a pub in the Botanic area of Belfast at around 1.25am.

Later, at around 1.45am, they asked the taxi driver to pull over into a layby near Corr’s Corner where they assaulted him, punching him in the head and mouth.

The taxi driver was then pulled out of the car and the gang then made off in the vehicle.

The driver was left with minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

The blue Peugeot car was later reported crashed on the Lisnalinchy Road just before 2am.

One of the attackers was described as wearing a green hooded top with white writing on the front and back, another was wearing a brown hooded top and also a beanie type hat with a white stripe on the front, and the third man was wearing a black hooded top.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident in Belfast or Newtownabbey to contact them on 0845 600 8000.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.