Youths arrested after taxi hijacking

Four teenagers were among five people arrested in connection with the hijacking of a taxi in Dublin today.

The taxi driver was treated in hospital for minor injuries after the assault, which happened at about 1.30am.

Gardaí said the taxi had been hailed by two men in Ballybrack, south Co Dublin, who asked to be taken to Amiens Street.

Once at their destination the passengers attacked and assaulted the man and drove off in the taxi.

The driver, who gardaí described as being in a very distressed state, was taken to the Mater Hospital.

A garda spokesman said the taxi was later stopped by gardaí in Finglas and five people, all male, arrested.

Two 18-year-olds and a 21-year-old were charged in connection with the incident. All three will appear in court in Blanchardstown on October 8.

Gardaí said two other teenagers, aged 16 and 17, would be dealt with under the Juvenile Liaison Scheme.

“Investigations are continuing,” he added.