A RACIST attack on a taxi driver has been described as ‘despicable and unprovoked’ by police.

Cab driver Jangeer Ahmed, 50, was filmed holding off several attackers as passersby tried to intervene in Blackburn's Witton Park.

Footage shows two female joggers bravely attempting to intervene but they had to retreat, while one woman can be heard frantically calling the police to report that an Asian cab driver was being attacked.

The suspect assaulting the driver shouted racist abuse and then urged others to attack the cabbie who manages to fight back, the video appeared to show.

The footage showed one member of the group kicking the taxi before they retreated from the scene.

A police spokesman said no one has yet been arrested in connection with the attack and inquiries are on going.

Mr Ahmed, who had driven to the park to use its gym, said the group were ‘really aggressive’ and surrounded his black cab.

He said: “The two ladies stepped in to diffuse the situation but these guys kept coming forward.

“I would like to thank them and there were others who could see what was going on and were trying to calm things down.”

Inspector Abid Khan, who is investigating the incident, said: “This is a despicable, unprovoked attack on an innocent taxi driver going about his business.

“There is no place for this type of behaviour in our town, we will investigate this incident thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.

“I am also appealing to those responsible to do the right thing and make contact with the police.

“We will not tolerate any kind of hate crime and I would encourage anyone who feels they have been subjected to these kinds of incidents to report it to us.

“I would urge anyone who has information about this incident to contact us on 101."