Taxi driver bloodied in savage robbery

A Dunedin taxi driver's head went through his van door window as he was beaten and robbed in what police called a shocking display of "wanton violence".

The two men hit Linzee Strang, 23, with such force yesterday morning that his bloodied face shattered the strengthened glass before he lapsed into unconsciousness.

Mr Strang blacked out for about 10 minutes from about 3.30am, as the Maori or Pacific Island men robbed him of $100, and fled into the Robin Hood Park area of Bellknowes.

The veteran of more than 100 weekend shifts last night said he was dazed and could barely speak as he tried to radio for help. And all the while, he wondered if the men were still nearby.

His "bloody terrified" boss Bill Overton was on a job when the call came over the radio.

Mr Overton said he arrived with the police to find the young United Taxis driver "a mess - it was a horrible sight".

"As soon as I heard it all I could think was no, not again, not one of ours. All I could think was that someone has gone and done something terrible this time." Mr Overton said the assault was the latest in a litany of abuses plaguing late-night drivers.

Police dogs tried unsuccessfully to find the men. Mr Strang was taken to Dunedin Hospital with glass wounds, concussion and a neck injury.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES