TAXI drivers have called for a meeting with police after a driver had his finger broken when he was attacked by a passenger with a golf club.

Sarfraz Ahmed, 27, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after the assault on Sunday morning.

His condition was today described as "comfortable".

Chairman of Hyndburn Taxi Cab Association Mohammed Arif said: "This is a serious thing and the drivers are very angry that this happened."

He said Mr Ahmed had to undergo a four-hour operation on his hand after the assault, which came after the passenger refused to pay his £7 fare.

The assault took place in Stanley Street, Oswaldtwistle, after the man had been picked up in Church Street, Accrington.

Mr Arif said: "We are doing a public service but there is no regard for drivers.

"Things like this need to be dealt with very seriously as this would then deter other people from attacking drivers.

"We will be having a meeting with the police next week as we feel the police should take things like this very seriously.

"There are other issues, too. Such as people who don't pay their fares but some officers have told us this is a civil matter. Because of this, people have stopped reporting offences.

"But this happens three or four times a week .

"Things have got worse since September 11 as people's attitudes have changed and drivers get more abuse from passengers.

"I tell them to try to ignore it but if it gets serious they have to call the police."

PS Mark Porter, town centre sergeant for Accrington police said : "The taxi drivers have a number of issues Mr Arif wants to discuss with us.

"He is bringing forward concerns they have about a whole range of issues and we need to sort out an understanding so we can work together.

"There has been no increase in crimes of this nature but I believe the injuries in this instance are quite bad, although not life threatening.

"We do get problems and there will always be drunken people getting into taxis. We have to ensure we are on top of things and are offering the right sort of protection."

A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident on Sunday and has been released on police bail.