A shocking incident of violence took place on Thursday night (7 August) in central Athens, when two French tourists reported being stabbed and robbed by the taxi driver who had been transporting them.

According to their statements to police, the attack occurred shortly after 10 p.m., as the men, aged 26 and 30, were getting out of the taxi at the intersection of Miaouli and Papanikoli streets in the Omonia area. The driver allegedly threatened them with a knife, lightly injuring one of them before stealing an undisclosed sum of money and fleeing the scene.

The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment, while his companion, visibly in shock, recounted the harrowing moments to officers.

Greek police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to be a professional taxi driver, and are reviewing security camera footage from the surrounding area to aid in the investigation.