GARDAÍ ARE APPEALING for witnesses following a serious assault on a taxi driver earlier this month.

The attack happened on Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, on Monday, 18 December.

At 2.30am a taxi driver picked up a fare at the rank on Stephen’s Green North. The man asked to be taken to Stillorgan, but became disruptive.

The driver stopped on right hand side of Baggot Street across from the AIB offices.

The man continued to argue with the driver and struck the door of the cab. The driver tried to get out of the car but as he did the man slammed the door and it struck the driver in the face, causing serious injuries to the driver’s eye.

Gardaí say that they know from investigations that the man walked along Ely Place and back to Stephens Green East towards Earlsfort Terrace, Stephen’s Green South and Leeson Street.

He may have gotten another taxi in that area.

The suspected offender is described as aged 25 to 30, 5’7” to 5’8”, with short hair with a casual jacket and shirt.

The man had a Dublin accent.

Gardaí would like anyone who was in the Baggot Street area at about 2.30am on the morning of 18 December to contact them.

“We are also appealing to the drivers of any cars that may have passed through the area and may have dash-cam footage to call us.

“We are further appealing to taxi drivers who were working in the area on the night, or who picked up anyone fitting the suspect offenders description, to contact us at Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000.”