A taxi-driver has called for CCTV to be fitted in taxis and the police and councillors to do more to protect drivers.

Jangeer Ahmed, 36, had part of his ear bitten off by a thug in a savage and unprovoked attack.

He added he may quit his job, as his wife and six children are terrified of him going to work.

Mr Ahmed is recovering at home after being attacked as he waited for a fare outside Queen's Park Working Men's Club, Audley Range, Blackburn at 11.30pm on Saturday, October 30.

He did not realise his ear lobe had been ripped off until he returned to his taxi office.

Mr Ahmed, a driver for Arcade Private Hire, Crossfield Street, Blackburn, said, "I told the guy on the desk there had been some trouble. He said 'It's not a bit of trouble, your ear has gone'. I touched my ear and there was blood everywhere. I looked in the mirror and it was shocking."

Doctors have told him plastic surgery should repair the damage, but he will have to wait for up to six months.

Mr Ahmed said, "I saw this lad kicking a door of the business on the opposite corner to where the club is.

"Whilst I was waiting the lad kicked the back of my minibus. I got out and said 'what is your problem?' and he headbutted me. I was throwing punches, trying to defend myself.

"From a car another two to three people came out and started as well. Whilst that was happening the lad who headbutted me slipped out and lunged forward and bit my ear.

"It was totally unprovoked. Then some other taxi drivers coming to pick people up arrived and they all ran off."

Mr Ahmed of Revidge Road, Blackburn a taxi driver for 15 years, said he had seen the job become more dangerous over the years.

He said, "More and more there is racial abuse and people running off without paying. People just don't seem to treat taxi drivers with any respect. I think a lot of it has got to do with binge drinking."