Taxi driver charged over Belmont death

UPDATE 3:30pm: A Kenwick taxi driver has been charged over the death of a 25-year-old passenger in Belmont overnight.

Police were called to Leake Street about 3am where they discovered the victim lying on the street with life-threatening injuries.

It is alleged he was arguing with the 26-year-old taxi driver over the fare and had attempted to leave the cab when the driver accelerated, causing him to fall to the ground.

He was taken to Royal Perth Hospital but later died.

The Kenwick man has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop and render assistance and failing to report.

He is due to face Perth Magistrate's Court on December 18.

This morning police officers blocked off Leake Street between Belvidere and Sydenham streets. A forensic officer and two uniformed officers are at the scene.

The incident is being investigated by the major crash squad.

Picture: John Mokrzycki/The West Australian