A taxi driver has been racially abused and assaulted by a passenger within his vehicle in Coatbridge.
The attack took place at 2.50am on Sunday on Viewfield Road at its junction with Dunnachie Drive.
Two men, in their 20s, were passengers in the taxi when they were dropped off to meet a third man waiting for them.
One of the men got out of the car to greet the third man and the other proceeded to hurl racist abuse at the driver before assaulting him.
The 55-year-old was left with serious injuries to both his head and hand.
All three men ran away in the direction of the Kirkwood Sports Barn.
The taxi driver was taken to Monklands Hospital and released following treatment.
Officers are keen to trace all three men in connection with this incident.
Detective constable Craig McLean said: “This was despicable behaviour which will not be tolerated.
“Enquiries 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 should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0745 of Sunday, July 12.
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