Police have appealed for public assistance to help identify a man linked to the assault of a Christchurch taxi driver earlier this month.

The incident has happened on Saturday 13 December shortly before 10pm, when the driver asked a group of passengers to leave his vehicle because they were acting disorderly.

Police said the driver was punched several times and was left extremely shaken. The group of four passengers was last seen walking towards Stanmore Road.

A police spokesperson said officers believed the man could assist with the investigation and were urging anyone who recognised him to come forward.

“We are asking for help from the public to identify this man so we can speak with him about what happened,” the spokesperson said.

“Anyone who recognises him, or who has information that may help our inquiries, is asked to contact police on 105 and quote file number 251214/9961.”

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers.