AN ASIAN taxi driver was viciously assaulted by revellers returning to Leyland from a night out in Preston.

The 31-year-old had picked up a group of four men and one woman in his black cab on Saturday, at 3.45am.

On route, they verbally abused the driver and refused to pay the full fare after reaching Golden Hill Lane, Leyland. One of them grabbed the driver while a second punched him. They also damaged the cab.

All of the group were white. The first man is aged 22-23, around 6ft tall or just under, thin with medium length and dark curly hair. He wore a black shirt, trousers and shoes and was clean shaven with a local accent.

Three of the male accomplices were aged 22-25. The first, believed to have grabbed the Asian man, was muscular, 5ft 5ins tall, clean shaven with a skin head. The second had dark brown straight hair, was 5ft 7-8ins tall, wore a black T-shirt and had a local accent. The third was heavily built. The woman was aged 25-27, thin with long, golden blonde, straight hair.

Anyone with information should contact Leyland police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.