TWO taxi drivers were attacked within six hours of each other.

A taxi driver suffered cuts and bruises to his face when he was attacked at 7.15pm on Sunday in Smith Street, Nelson.

A 32-year-old man from Colne was arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in custody.

At 12.25am on Monday, police were called after a second driver was punched in the face in Halifax Road, Brierfield.

A 39-year-old man from Nelson was arrested a short time later on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm and he remains in custody.

Detective Inspector Martin Melvin said: “Thankfully both men are recovering, but it is clearly utterly unacceptable that they were targeted as they went about their work.

“We have since arrested two people, who remain in police custody while we carry out further enquiries, and we hope this sends a message that we take all reports of this type of crime seriously.”

On its Facebook page, a Delta Taxis spokesman said: “Tonight we are saddened by two separate attacks on drivers who were simply doing their job.

“In the first incident on Smith Street a driver was severely beaten and robbed of his takings and his vehicle. The driver is currently in hospital.

“The second was in Brierfield, where fortunately the driver's injuries were less serious."