WEST MIDLANDS

A taxi driver was taken to hospital after suffering a fractured skull, with police launching an investigation into the cause.

The man was found with serious head injuries in Bell Street South, with the area cordoned off and a blue tent put up by police near the junction with High Street.

The incident happened just before 9.30pm on Sunday. Det Insp 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.”

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

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 ABERDEEN

 Up to 15 taxis are being taken off the road every month in Aberdeen because of drivers breaking the law.

A report to the city council’s taxi consultation group revealed some cabbies were running without an MOT – a certificate of road worthiness – or tax.

It also highlighted a range of other breaches and called for tougher action against rogue drivers.

The report said: “A substantial number of licensed vehicles continue to be found to be without an MOT or road tax.

“The licences in question for the vehicles are immediately suspended and the suspension only lifted once the required MOT or road tax is obtained.

“However, since it is now a regular occurrence for between five and 15 vehicles to be suspended each month further action is considered necessary given the public safety issues.”

The enforcement officer said they would continue suspending the relevant vehicle licences but added: “However in addition, I intend to consider submitting a request to the Licensing Committee for the suspension of any Taxi/Private Hire Car driver licence held by the same licence holder for the remaining un-expired portion of the licence.”

The consultation group meets on Tuesday.

https://goo.gl/MKBr9A