A TAXI driver was punched to the ground by a passenger who then drove off with his car in Burnley town centre.

Police are studying forensic evidence and CCTV footage from the incident, which happened in Church Street at 3.10am on Saturday.

They are also appealing for the occupants of a white estate car, which pulled over as the assault was taking place, to come forward.

The 24-year-old taxi driver, from the Nelson area, was heading towards Stoneyholme in his silver Toyota Corolla when his two male and female passengers began arguing.

The row is thought to have been about which of the passengers should be dropped off first.

The driver pulled over at the entrance to St Peter's church, opposite the junction with Ormerod Road, and got out of the vehicle to speak to the male passenger, who also got out.

When they met at the rear of the car, the passenger punched the driver in the face until he fell to the ground, then drove off with the car towards the Duke Bar area.

The car was found around 11am in Rectory Road, Stoneyholme, where it had been parked with the engine running.

The driver suffered bruising and swelling but did not require hospital treatment.

DC Tony Morris, of Burnley CID, said: "The taxi driver was punched in the face and suffered bruising and swelling before the passenger got in the driver's seat and drove off.

"CCTV footage shows a white estate car which pulled up near the incident for a few minutes before driving off and we would particularly like to hear from the people who were in this vehicle, as well as anyone who knows who the passengers were.

"We will be studying forensic evidence today to try to find out more."

The male passenger is described as white, in his early to mid-30s and more than 6ft tall.

He had short, dark hair and wore round, silver-framed glasses.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.