Business & Technology
Abingdon taxi driver suffers racially aggravated attack
The Kash Taxi driver picked up a white European couple in their 60s from the Abingdon rank for a trip to Prince Grove at about 7.45pm on Sunday, March 22.
The driver, a British citizen who also works in IT, was born and brought up in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana in India.
He moved to the UK in February 2010 to complete his master’s degree and has been an Abingdon resident since 2014, also working in the Spar shop in High Street.
When a political conversation about the Iran-Israel conflict was initiated during the journey, he explained that he could not discuss the matter.
He said the woman then “made a disturbing comment about ongoing international conflict” while the male passenger “expressed extreme political views, strongly criticising immigrants and insulting political figures”.
When asked about his ethnicity, which seemed to “trigger” the male, the taxi driver “remained silent and professional throughout”.
On arrival, the male slammed the car door and repeatedly swore at the taxi driver, adding racist insults.
Moments after the female passenger pushed the male inside the house, he came out through another door and attempted to charge at the taxi driver, shouting aggressively.
The taxi driver drove away, as he was “fearing for safety and potential physical assault.”
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He described the incident as a deplorable, unprovoked attack, interrogating his nationality and religion, rooted in a hostile, anti-immigrant sentiment.
“The couple has given me the worst experience of my life”, he said, “The perpetrators expressed extremist views, suggesting that international tensions justify local bigotry. Such a stance is not only logically flawed, but entirely unacceptable.”
“My family has been left deeply shaken by this violation of our safety”, he said, “We are taxpayers, neighbours, and law-abiding citizens who contribute diligently to this town. Our right to walk these streets in peace is absolute, and not subject to the approval of the intolerant.”
He warns others to report hate crime to the police.
He added: “If you or your loved ones encounter any form of harassment, please dial 999 immediately to report a hate crime.
“We must ensure we are heard, otherwise, we risk a future where our families feel unable to leave their own homes.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed that it is investigating the public order offence involving the aggravated racial abuse. Police also said no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Anyone with information should contact the police, quoting reference number 43260141168.
The popular shopping centre in Oxford’s Queen Street already has an exciting mix of shops on offer, from first-class dining options to familiar high street favourites and world-renowned brands.
Now, the Westgate has welcomed the latest addition to its retail offering, as David Clulow opticians opened on Friday, June 26.
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The eye health specialist store showcases the brand’s modernised retail format, with state-of-the-art testing rooms and improved accessibility.
It’s broad product range also includes designer frames from the likes of Chanel, Prada and Ray-Ban.
The store is the latest edition to David Clulow’s store collection which is hosted in nearly 30 cities and shopping centres across the UK.
The introduction of the new shop is the latest in a long line of recent Westgate comings and goings in recent months.
Shoe chain Russell & Bromley has departed its ground-floor store, leaving the unit empty, after the brand fell into administration.
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Similarly, Claire’s has also closed at the Westgate after the beauty and accessory brand also collapsed into administration.
Last month, the new Lego store opened on the ground floor of the centre, welcoming queues of shoppers at its grand opening event.
Oliver Bonas also recently moved from its home on the ground floor to a much larger unit on the middle floor, near the Queen Street and Bonn Square entrance.
The scheme, designed to support attendance at Armed Forces Day events, will be in effect across the UK on June 27 and June 28.
It applies to all Stagecoach services except those operated by Megabus, Transport for London and the Bee Network.
To access free travel, serving military should wear uniform or present a valid military ID card, and veterans should present a veteran’s badge or military medal.
Martin Gibbon, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “Our Armed Forces have given so much to protect our country, and offering free travel over this weekend is just a small gesture of our immense gratitude.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for our service people, past and present, to attend local events and celebrate with their communities.”
Stagecoach’s ongoing support for the military community includes similar free travel schemes on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The company’s Veterans Network also offers a platform for veterans and service families within the business to connect and shape a more supportive workplace.
Stagecoach was awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award in 2024 in recognition of its commitment to supporting the military community.
Mr Gibbon said: “Through our Veterans Network, we are dedicated to ensuring Stagecoach remains a deeply supportive environment for the military community, both as passengers and as valued colleagues.”
Stagecoach has backed the Armed Forces Covenant since 2015.
Banbury-based Prodrive has joined forces with the British Motorsports Marshals Club (BMMC) in a new three-year partnership to back the more than 3,000 marshals represented by the BMMC.
Easily recognised by their trademark orange overalls, marshals play a critical role in the safe operation of racing events across circuits, rally stages, and hill climbs throughout the UK.
David Richards, chairman of Prodrive, said: “Motorsport simply wouldn’t happen without marshals.
“They are the backbone of our sport, giving their time, commitment and passion to ensure events run safely and successfully.”
The partnership will focus on raising awareness of the marshals’ work using the idea of ‘British Racing Orange’ and aims to strengthen the connection between the sport and its volunteer workforce.
It will also support the BMMC’s efforts to recruit, train, and equip new and existing marshals.
Chris Hobson, chair of the BMMC, said: “Marshals are one of the most visible and vital parts of motorsport.
“Our partnership with Prodrive will help us continue training and equipping marshals, helping them stay safe every time they are trackside.
“By working together, we can inspire more people to discover marshalling and join the BMMC.”
While Prodrive’s factory programmes compete globally across disciplines including endurance racing, rally-raid and beyond, the company remains deeply connected to the UK motorsport ecosystem and the marshal community that supports it.
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