TAXI owners in Burnley may introduce cameras in their cabs in an effort to protect drivers after another attack.

Burnley Council has offerred help look for ways to try to assist funding of the cameras.

Coun Charles Bullas, executive member for public protection and community safety, said: "There is a need to protect the drivers and anyone who travels in a taxi."

A taxi driver in the town was said to be suffering from amnesia after receiving head injuries in a weekend attack by passengers.

The driver, who has not been named, suffered a fractured jaw, broken nose and other facial injuries in the early morning attack and robbery which police are treating as a racist incident.

An investigation team has been set up and a full inquiry is under way.

Three or four people may have been involved in the attack.

The driver, an Asian, was taken to hospital following the assault at 3am on Saturday in the Kibble Bank estate area of Burnley. He was discharged later the same morning.

Police were unable to get a full account of what happened because of his injuries and condition.

A police spokesman said they were treating it as a racist assault and appealed to all communities for calm.

Duncan Allan, spokesman for the Private Hire Association in Burnley, said the weekend's incident again showed the dangers the drivers were in from abuse and attacks.

Consideration was being given to installing security cameras in cabs in a bid to protect drivers, he said.

He stressed that the cameras would only be operated if a driver felt under threat. They would not record incident free journeys.

The system operates by means of a panic button which the driver can use. Pictures and sound then go to a central control room where operators can quickly assess whether the police need to be informed.

The system also includes a tracker device so that the location of the vehicle can be pinpointed and would provide video evidence of any incident.

Mr Allan said: "The system is expensive at £1,100 a cab. We are investigating whether there could be a reduction in insurance costs if they are fitted."

Association members are also considering visiting Bolton to look how a similar system operates there.

Mr Allan repeated earlier warnings that anyone found guilty of an offence against taxi drivers would be banned by all taxi firms in the town.

Coun Bullas added: "If there is any way we can push forward funding for such cameras we will do so. If is something which has been discussed previously. I will be seeing the community safety officer at the Town Hall today and will raise the issue. There is a need to protect the safety of drivers."

Anyone with information about the assault is asked to contact police on 01282 425001 or ring Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.