A TAXI driver was taken to hospital after being assaulted and racially abused by a passenger in North Lanarkshire.
The incident happened at about 2.50am on Sunday in Coatbridge at the junction of Viewfield Road and Dunnachie Drive.
Two men in their 20s were passengers in the taxi and were dropped off at Viewfield Road, where a third man was waiting for them.
As one of the pair got out of the car to greet the man on the street, the other passenger racially abused and assaulted the 55-year-old driver.
He was left with serious injuries to both his head and hand as the three men ran away in the direction of the Kirkwood Sports Barn.
The driver was taken to Monklands Hospital for treatment and later released.
One of the passengers was of medium build with a Scottish accent and at the time of the assault was wearing a navy blue T-shirt, dark jogging bottoms, dark trainers with a dark cap and a surgical face mask.
The second passenger had short hair, also spoke with a Scottish accent, and was wearing a dark sleeved top and dark jogging bottoms.
The man who was waiting in Viewfield Road is only described as wearing dark clothing.
Detective Constable Craig McLean said: "This was despicable behaviour which will not be tolerated.
"Inquiries are ongoing and we are working to establish the circumstances leading up to this assault.
"We are keen to talk to anyone who may have witnessed this or who may have seen the three men after the incident in the area."
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0745 of Sunday, 12 July, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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