Darwin Police have arrested a 34 year-old man in relation to an assault and theft of a taxi overnight.

Police will allege the man became abusive toward the driver of the taxi before punching him.  The driver had slowed down to tell the man and two other passengers to remove themselves from the cab.

The 49 year-old driver got out of the cab after being hit and the offender has then jumped into the driver’s seat.  The two other passengers also got out after this had occurred.

It is alleged the offender then drove the taxi at the people standing on the side of the road.

A witness has called Police resulting in the taxi and driver being apprehended shortly afterwards.

Watch Commander David Wilson said it was an unprovoked and callous attack.

“The man now faces a string of assault, theft and traffic offences and it was great work by Police to apprehend him so quickly after the event.  The man has also allegedly returned a high range breath test.”

Police are asking that anyone else who may have witnessed the incident to please contact Police on 131 444 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.