A TAXI driver was robbed in Accrington.

The driver suffered injuries to his arm when two people attacked his car with sticks on India Street at 1.15am on Saturday.

They also attempted to steal money.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Police arrested two 15-year-olds boys from Accrington but they have since been released on bail.

Officers said enquires remain ongoing.

The incident has been branded ‘unacceptable’ by politicians.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: “It’s a hard life being a taxi driver and they don’t make a lot of money.

“Most taxi drivers have families and young children and violence against them is completely unacceptable. As is violence against anyone.

“I hope whoever did this is brought to justice swiftly.”

Cllr Loraine Cox for Church, said: “I find it very disturbing and upsetting that this has happened to someone just trying to make a living.”

Dave Lawrie, chairman of the Rossendale Taxi Association, who has developed a CCTV system for taxis said more needs to be done to protect drivers.

Mr Lawrie said: “This incident is unacceptable. But that is why I have had to develop this CCTV system to protect drivers from attacks and also to protect customers.”

Mr Lawrie said the system records all interactions which take place inside taxis and archives them for six months. He said work is going on with police and councils to try and get the system fitted into all taxis.

Mr Lawrie said since he fitted his vehicle with cameras last April he feels much safer.

“It’s not something I wanted to develop, but I felt I had to in order to stop drivers being attacked.”

Call police via 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.