
A Darlington taxi driver has been left facing financial hardship and lost work after a "missile" was "hurled" at his vehicle, shattering a back window.
Allan Swan, 44, who is self-employed and works with Harry's Taxis, was driving on Yarm Road on a recent Saturday night when he suddenly heard "cracking."
The 20-year veteran cabbie was unable to work after the incident, with the window replacement taking five days.
Mr. Swan detailed the significant financial strain, telling reporters: "One window had been smashed; it is going to cost £115 to repair."
He added that the damage has had a severe knock-on effect: "I have been unable to work since. It has affected me a lot. I have bills coming out and I can’t pay them."
The driver's regular commitments have also been disrupted. "I have a school run which I do, so I am having to pay other people to do that for me as well," he explained, stressing: "It has affected me massively."
He also noted the impact on his client: "I pick up a girl from college and it is affecting her because she is having to get other people to pick her up."
Durham Police confirmed they were called to the scene and believe the damage was caused by a minor.
A spokesperson stated: "We were called with a report of criminal damage after a child was believed to have thrown an unknown object at a taxi driver's rear window, in Yarm Road, Darlington, just after 9.45pm on Saturday, November 8."
The child "has then run off and the taxi driver has carried on with his journey," the spokesperson said, adding that despite an investigation, "no suspects were able to be identified."

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Agree or disagree with this member of trade's email to Thanet council .

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