Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault on a taxi driver in Dublin city.

It happened at Baggot Street Lower in Dublin 2 in the early hours of December 18th.

At 2.30am, a taxi driver picked up a fare at the rank on Stephen's Green North. The man asked to be taken to Stillorgan.

The passenger became disruptive and the driver stopped on right hand side of Baggot Street across from the Allied Irish Bank.

The man continued to argue with the driver and struck the door of the cab. The driver tried to get out of the car but as he did the man slammed the door and it struck the driver in the face, causing serious injuries to his eye.

Gardaí say the man then walked along Ely Place and back to Stephen's Green East towards Earlsfort Terrace, Stephen's Green South and Leeson Street.

He may have got another taxi in that area.

The suspected offender is described as 25 to 30 years, 5'7'' to 5'8'' with short hair with a casual jacket and shirt.

Hen had a Dublin accent.

Gardaí would like anyone who was in the Baggot Street area on the December 18th at about 2.30am to contact them.

They are also appealing to the drivers of any cars that may have passed through the area and may have dash-cam footage to call them.

They are further appealing to taxi drivers who were working in the area on the night, or who picked up anyone fitting the suspect offenders description, to contact them at Pearse Street garda station on 01-666-9000.