A THUG from Burnley who attacked a taxi driver has been recaptured by Lancashire Police.

An appeal was made via the county constabulary’s ‘most wanted’ website for convicted robber William James Cross, 24, of Cog Lane.

He was jailed for 14 months at Burnley Crown Court in January after he admitted robbing cabbie Ejaz Ahmed of a cash bag containing £40.

Cross failed to comply with the terms of a home detention curfew, according to police, and a notice for his recall to prison was issued on May 20.

Police have confirmed that Cross has now been rearrested following the public appeal.

Judge Beverley Lunt heard how Cross was being taken from Colne to Burnley in a taxi driven by Mr Ahmed with a friend when he struck.

But then a dispute arose over the correct fare between Cross and the cabbie, who worked for Union Taxis.

After arguing about the price the passenger made a sudden movement towards the driver, who feared that he would be physically attacked.

But Cross instead reached for his cash bag and fled with the takings. Police arrested him at his home shortly afterwards.

The case, along with another four-on-one attack on a cabbie in Ightenhill, Burnley, provoked calls for greater safety measures to be introduced for taxi drivers, by trade leaders.

Convicted burglar and arsonist Jason McCash, 24, who is also wanted for recall to prison and has links with the Hapton and Accrington areas, is still on the run.

And police would also like to know the whereabouts of Miguel Jose Talamentes, 28, who has connections in Whitworth and Colne.

Talamentes was placed on a life licence after being convicted of wounding with intent in Manchester in June 2001 and is also facing court proceedings over an alleged assault.

Possible sightings can be passed to Lancashire Constabulary on 0845 125 3545 or anonymously via the Crimestoppers freephone line on 0800 555 111