A TAXI driver was today recovering at home after two customers attacked him leaving him with 'nasty' injuries and a bite wound to his nose.

The 48-year-old Asian man, who worked for DMC Taxis, based in Higher Barn Street, Blackburn, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with injuries to his head and upper body but was later allowed home.

Police said the father-of-four was left badly shaken. Inspector Stuart Bruce said: "This gentleman, who is a nice family man, was assaulted by two male passengers and was treated very roughly. He suffered injuries which were not life threatening but were particularly nasty.

"These two lads are alleged to have been beating him up when neighbours woken by the noise came out of their houses and started shouting at them. The lads then ran off.

"One was arrested and the neighbour chased after the second man. He got hold of him, but he escaped. He was arrested shortly after.

"The neighbours were very concerned and some were quite distressed. It was nice to see they were public spirited."

The incident happened in Whalley New Road, near to Douglas Place, at 2.15am yesterday.

Police believe the taxi driver, who lives in the Pleckgate area, had feared for his safety after the men started getting abusive and got out of the taxi. Insp Bruce said: "Had this happened in a quiet area with no neighbours to stop it goodness knows what would have happened."

Fazar Ali, owner of DMC Taxis, said: "He is not good. I don't think he will get in a taxi again. He had picked his fare up from a home address and was taking them to Douglas Place. We don't know what happened, but the fare was only about £2 to £3 so it can't have been over that.

"He has worked for me for about 10 years and has never had any trouble before. He is a good driver."

The taxi driver was expected to be interviewed by police who said at this stage they could not confirm whether it was a racially motivated attack.

Two men in their early 20s were also due to be questioned by police.