A TAXI driver had to make a desperate getaway after being viciously assaulted with an iron bar as he sat in his car.

The private hire driver was waiting in the car park of Morrisons supermarket in Acomb, when a young man smashed his window and windscreen and demanded money.

Although the victim managed to drive away, he suffered injuries to his arms and face where he was hit by the bar.

Police are hunting for the attacker and have appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

The assault happened at about 4am on Wednesday and involved a driver for private hire fire Beeline Taxis who was waiting for his next job.

A spokesman for York Police said the driver was sitting in his car when the culprit approached from the side. He smashed the side-window and windscreen before demanding cash.

The attacker is described as white and aged 17 to 19. He was wearing a blue and grey ‘hoodie’ top, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Detective Sergeant John Suchomski said the driver had not been seriously injured.

The driver declined to comment on the incident yesterday, and managers at Beeline were unavailable when The Press went to print.

Anyone who saw the attack or who has any other relevant information should phone Det Sgt Suchomski on 0845 6060247.

Yesterday’s assault occurred just two days after it was announced that CCTV cameras were being fitted in private hire cars across the city in a bid to cut crime.

By Christmas, about 50 of the devices, which also record sound, will have been fitted to cabs.