I THOUGHT I WAS DEAD! (From Warrington Guardian)

I THOUGHT I WAS DEAD!

Shattered

A WIDNES taxi driver on a fare to Speke saw his takings robbed by a gun-toting teenager on Thursday night - the second time in two years he has been robbed at gunpoint.

The driver, who works for Halton Taxis, picked up two boys outside the Yew Tree Pub in Coronation Drive at 7.30pm.

They directed him to Harland Green in Speke. When he pulled up, one said he was going to get his sister while the other went round to the driver's window, held a gun to his head and robbed him.

The pair of 15-year-olds then fled, leaving their victim shaken.

The driver, who asked not to be named, said: "I thought I was dead. I didn't think I was getting out of there.

"I thought they were going to run off without paying to begin with."

It was the second armed robbery he has suffered, two youngsters robbed him at gunpoint in Runcorn 18 months ago.

This latest incident has shattered him: "I was just getting back to normal, but even now I can still see that gun. You are so vulnerable when you are in that cab."

Even a few weeks ago, another fare to Speke ended up with his passenger throwing a bottle through his window.

"We have a lot of trouble. Things are far worse than ever," he said.

The man, who has driven for 14 years, went back to work this weekend but is still terrified by the thought of what happened.

"I am just frightened of picking people up, but I have got to earn a living. It will be a long time before I fell safe again."

His wife said: "People in general are just not aware of the hazards that go with the job."

The robbers are described as white, both approximately 5ft 6ins tall and with short, dark hair.

One was wearing a blue and black hooded sweatshirt. His partner had a red sweatshirt on.

Anyone who may have seen two such youths in or around the Yew Tree on the night of the incident, or who may have any other information on this crime, is asked to contact Det Sgt O'Connor at Speke CID on 0151-777 5264.

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