A CAB passenger spoke today of his terror after coming under attack from a rock-throwing yob as his taxi travelled through the city.
Paul O'Byrne (49) was out for what should have been a relaxing night with his partner and her son, when a thug threw a fist-sized missile at the vehicle which was taking them to a restaurant.

Luckily, the stone narrowly missed all three of them, bADVERTISEMENTut was flung with such force it broke a rear side window, sailed through the passenger compartment and bounced off the opposite side of the car.

Mr O'Byrne said the results of the incident on Sunday, which left no one hurt, could have been serious.

He said: "This was potentially hugely dangerous and totally irresponsible.

"If it happens again, the consequences could be much worse.

"As it was, the driver was shaken up and we've been left shocked as well."

Mr O'Byrne, of Charles Street, Eastgate, Peterborough, was heading out with partner Jules Spinks (48) and her son, Billy (19), when the minicab they were in was attacked, at about 7.10pm.

As they travelled along Lincoln Road and reached the junction with Norfolk Street, a stone crashed through the rear side window and flew through the Betta Cars vehicle, just missing all three passengers seated in the back.

Mr O'Byrne said: "There was a massive bang as the stone hit, and it came through the window and bounced off the opposite side.

"We were showered with glass, and the cab driver had to pull over straight away. He was as shocked as we were.

"My partner saw a group of kids standing on the corner prior to this thing coming through the window, who then legged it.

"I am just surprised none of us was hurt.

"The cab firm sent another car to take us to the restaurant, but we could only manage a couple of mouthfuls of food.

"We were upset and shocked at what had happened, and what could have happened."

Betta Cars proprietor Mohammed Shabir said whoever had thrown the stone needed to be caught and punished as a deterrent to others.

He said: "This was very, very dangerous.

"There were customers on board, and the vehicle was in motion.

"A small minority of people like this can cause a lot of damage and can distract drivers while they are driving.

"They need to be caught and put away, because they are jeopardising people's lives.

"People should not be running around throwing stones, putting the safety of the general public and drivers at risk."

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Passengers39-shock-as-rock-flies.4053002.jp