Taxi driver found with fractured skull in Brierley Hill

The 60-year-old man, who has not been named, was found with serious head injuries in Bell Street South, following the incident just before 9.30pm on Sunday.

Residents became concerned when they noticed police had cordoned off the area early Monday morning and a blue tent had been erected near the junction with High Street.

Detective Inspector Colin Mattinson said: "An investigation has been launched after a man was found in Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, with a serious head injury. The man, a 60-year-old taxi driver, suffered a fractured skull and is being treated in hospital. It is not yet clear how he came about his injuries.

Shaz Saleem, chairman of Dudley Private Hire & Taxi Association (DPHTA), said: "For something like this to happen is shocking. We have been fighting for taxi drivers to receive more safety measures due to situations such as this happening.

"We have worked closely with both the council and police, who have helped us set up our taxi watch. But with cuts to their funding, there is no way we can receive the same amount of support as we used to.

"More needs to be done to protect our drivers, it shouldn't take something like this

"This driver has only been with us a month, and everyone speaks very highly of him. We hope and prey he pulls through."

Any witnesses, or anyone with information about the incident, is asked to contact Force CID on the 101 number.