TERROR TIMES
ESSEX TAXI DRIVER “FEARED FOR HIS LIFE” IN ALLEGED “AMBUSH” STABBING
An Essex taxi driver recounted a terrifying ordeal where he claims he “feared for his life” after being allegedly stabbed during an “ambush” by a group of masked individuals while on a fare. Claudiu Sandra, 26, was working in the early hours of June 8 when he reportedly took a young woman to a residential area of Mistley, near Manningtree. He claims that while waiting for payment, he was suddenly “ambushed” by seven masked people, one of whom was allegedly armed with a knife. “I totally, definitely, feared for my life,” Mr. Sandra said. “My mind went to one of the worst situat-
ions that I can think. I was thinking that every move or thing I say could cost me my life. I was almost speechless until they started attacking me. I then just had to go with the flow and try to protect myself. When it's one versus seven, you can’t really manage.” Essex Police have confirmed that four people have been arrested in
connection with the incident in Brunswick Gardens. Mr. Sandra, a taxi driver for three years, stated that he was left deeply shocked and, once fully recovered, would no longer work night shifts. Detectives have questioned four teenagers in connection with the incident. Two 18-year-old men from Colchester were arrested on suspicion of causing GBH and have been bailed until late August. Two girls, aged 17 and 16, were also arrested on suspicion of causing GBH and bailed until late August. The investigation remains ongoing.
AXE AND KNIFE ATTACK ON INVERNESS TAXI DRIVERS LEADS TO ARREST OF TWO WOMEN
Two women have been arrested in connection with an attempted murder after a series of violent late-night attacks on taxi drivers in Inverness, which reportedly involved the use of an axe and a knife. The terrifying spree unfolded late on Tuesday night, June 24, and into the early hours of Wednesday, targeting drivers from three different taxi firms: Capital Taxis, Inverness Taxis, and City Taxis. It is understood that the attackers lured drivers to specific pick-up points before threatening them and making off with sums of cash. At least one person was taken to the hospital for treatment following the assaults. Police Scotland confirmed the arrests. A spokesman stated: “Two
PHTM JULY 2025
women – aged 23 and 39 – have been arrested in connection with an attempted murder and three reports of robbery in Inverness... Officers are continuing to follow positive lines of enquiry.” The vehicles involved have been taken by police for forensic examination. Sources within the taxi trade claim the two women were known to local firms and had been barred. However, systems designed to protect drivers are vulnerable to false names and changes in phone numbers, making it difficult to keep track of known offenders. Gavin Johnston, owner of Inverness Taxis, described the incident as “disturbing, disappointing, but it is a reality and
the kind of thing that we have to increasingly deal with unfortunately.” He highlighted the challenges of driver security, saying: “We do try to bar people on a regular basis who give us trouble like this, but people use false names and get new SIM cards for their phones. "It is very hard to keep on top of that, which affects security for the drivers.” Mr. Johnston also expressed alarm at the nature of the weapons used. “The fact an axe and a knife appear to have been used is very alarming, but knives are a major thing these days. It is not uncommon for our drivers to be seeing knives.” Sources from City Taxis and Capital Taxis also confirmed their drivers were targeted in the attacks.
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