A TAXI chief has hit out at vandals who trashed his hackney cab in what he believes was a targeted attack.

The cab was parked in a car park in Mulberry Walk, Blackburn, when its windscreen and four windows were smashed by vandals, who then sped off in an unknown vehicle.

Umar Talaty, who owns the car, which is used by another driver, said he was furious after the “targeted attack” that left him facing a repair bill of more than £1,500.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Mr Talaty, secretary of Blackburn with Darwen Private Hire Association, said: “They have smashed all the vehicle’s windows and then they have run away.

“The people who live around there said they were shocked to hear the amount of noise.

“Some of them were too scared to go outside to find out what was going on. No other cars in the car park were damaged or anything.

“They specifically damaged the black cab. The cab was targeted.

“Nothing has been taken at all. All the windows have been put through for no apparent reason.

Lancashire Telegraph:

“I don’t know if someone had a bad fare from a hackney driver or something. It’s mind-boggling really.

“It’s quite unusual to have extreme damage like this.

“Vehicles do get attacked, but it’s just normally the wing mirror has been knocked off, or a door has been dented or something.”

Mr Talaty, who has been driving for 20 years, appealed for witnesses to the attack, which happened at 2am on Sunday, to come forward.

He added: “I don’t think they know they have taken somebody’s livelihood away.

“They have caused somebody harm who they don’t even know.

“It might be funny for them but they don’t realise the effect it has on the person.”

As well as the damage to the windows, the vandals also dented the front panel of the vehicle.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “The investigation into this incident is ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to call us police 101, quoting crime reference number LC20150920-0213.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.