A TAXI driver was beaten up and robbed by two thugs.

The victim had been called to an address to collect a fare when his vehicle was approached by two men.

Both asked how much the fare would cost before punching the victim in the face, pulling him from the vehicle and repeatedly kicking and punching him.

They took £200 and the 36-year-old’s taxi dispatch system before making off from the scene.

The attack happened on Mosley Walk, Blackburn, at around 4.20am on December 16, but only came to light yesterday after police made a public appeal.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery and released under investigation.

Today, officers released CCTV images of a second man in connection with the incident. 

Police later said the man had contacted them about the appeal.
Det Con Michelle Marston, of Blackburn Police, said: “We are appealing for information after a man was robbed in Blackburn.“The victim was viciously assaulted and we are trying to identify this man as part of our investigation.”

Taxi firm workers have said that drivers are vulnerable and more needs to be done to protect them.

Khalid Khan, who works at Blackburn-based taxi firm City Private Hire and Minibuses Ltd, said: “I think there are a lot of incidents that happen but not a lot are reported.

“Drivers feel threatened on a daily basis and a lot goes unheard of.

“There is not enough protection for taxi drivers despite the technology in this day and age and for most of the crimes reported police rarely have the time or the chance to follow it up.

“I’m glad they have done in this case but I wish they did it more often because it’s something that need to be highlighted in the public eye and needs to be taken very seriously.”

Nadeem Khalid, manager of Blackburn Cars for over 10 years, said: “I haven’t had many incidents like this happening.

“Taxi drivers are vulnerable but incidents like this are a rare occurrence. 
“We get around one incident in every 10,000 jobs.

“It’s a part of the job sadly and you can’t do much about it.

“Every job you do is a risk.

“You need to be careful and vigilant.”

Cllr Jamie Groves, who represents the area, said: “This is an outrageous attack on a taxi driver earning a fair living.

“It’s disgraceful behaviour and something that would not be condoned anywhere in the town.

“I urge anyone who has information to contact the police.”

Anyone with any information can contact police on 01254 353866 or email 2552@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference ED1721204.