'It could have really injured me': Preston taxi driver fears for life as car hit by youths throwing rocks
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Alnaseer Atcha, 55, a taxi driver who works for AAA Taxis, was left concerned for the safety of himself and his daughter after his car was attacked by youths on New Hall Lane on Monday, November 16.
The Preston neighbourhood police team have since confirmed that there were numerous reports made from people concerned about groups of young people throwing stones at passing vehicles.
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Hide AdAs a resident of Delaware Street, Alnaseer - also known as 'Naz', has lived in the area all his life and been a taxi driver for 30 years.
He belives that his car was hit with something more sinister, like a gun or pistol, as the damage caused has created a hole through the door.
He said: "It honestly looks like my car has been shot. Some kids have hit it with something and it made a hole in the door of my car as I was driving with my daughter and my sister.
"It really shocked me and it is so concerning. I have been brought up around this area but recently it is going really downhill with young people and their behaviour.
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Hide Ad“I was driving past Ribbleton Park in the pitch black when it hit. If it was any higher it would have gone through my window and could have injured me or even killed me. Now I will have to pay to get this fixed and I will need a new door.
“I have been driving my taxi in Preston for thirty years and have never known it like this. It’s crazy. It looks like somebody has shot my car.”
Alnaseer said that he had a ‘sleepless night’ after the incident and now fears for his safety. He claims that taxi firms across Preston are being targeted deliberately.
Preston Neighbourhood Task Force Sergeant Emma Walker said that their team will be targeting the area over the coming days in hope of catching offenders.
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Hide AdShe said: “I can confirm we had separate calls from different people reporting that youths have been chucking stones at passing vehicles and one of these was unfortunately relating to the damage of a vehicle.
“Enquiries are ongoing in relation to CCTV in order to establish who the youths were.
“The Neighbourhood team are aware and this area will be targeted over the coming days in order to prevent it happening again and deal with any offenders.”
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