A MAN is said to have pulled an AK47 rifle on a taxi driver after refusing to pay.

The alleged incident happened at 1am on Monday after a fare was dropped off in Barrowford Road on the outskirts of Colne.

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A 56-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.

He has been bailed until December 11 pending further enquiries.

After being taken from Burnley to Colne it is alleged that the man refused to pay, according to Lancashire Police.

When challenged by the driver he is said to have gone in to a house, come out with the AK47 and pointed it at the taxi driver.

A police spokesman said it was at this point that the victim drove off and alerted the police.

Unarmed officers later went to the house and recovered what is believed to be a decommissioned AK47 rifle.

The identity of the taxi firm involved has not been released but it is understood that the cabbie, while shaken, was not physically hurt as a result of his ordeal.

Councillor Joe Cooney, who represents Vivary Bridge ward on Pendle Council, said that he was “extremely surprised” to hear of such an incident in Colne.

He added: “Taxi drivers in Pendle have a perfect right to work in safety and should not have to deal with incidents such as this. This is completely unacceptable behaviour.”

The Russian-made Kalashnikov weapons can be picked up second-hand online for as little as £200.