TAXI operators in Pendle today called for more protection after a driver was lured to a country lane and subjected to a brutal baseball bat attack.

Driver Ghulam Sarwar of Nelson was hit around the head and forced to flee his vehicle to escape a further beating.

Today he spoke about the assault as drivers in Pendle were set to meet to discuss how to improve safety.

Mr Sarwar, 41, said: "I was called to pick up a fare in Red Lane, Colne, to take someone to Skipton.

"When I got there three lads aged 17 or 18 came out of the drive. Two got in the back and another in the front. When he opened the door I saw he had a baseball bat.

"He came in and hit me on the head. The others hit me on the back of the head. I have been driving taxis locally for four years and never had anything like this happen to me."

Mr Sarwar managed to get out of the vehicle and run across the road to a house.

He said: "I was bleeding from the nose and have bruises to my eyes and to the front and back of my head. I was distressed and upset by what happened. They didn't speak to me and as far as I know nothing was stolen. I am now back driving but it is frightening when something like this happens."

A police spokesman said it appeared to be a motiveless assault as nothing was stolen even though the driver was forced to abandon the vehicle as he fled his attackers.

Sgt Peter Henderson said: "The driver suffered a facial injury and fled on foot leaving his vehicle.

"He went to a nearby houses and summoned assistance. Police attended and and the driver went to Burnley General Hospital where he received treatment for minor facial injuries.

"At the time of the incident we contacted local taxi operators warning them about going to isolated areas."

The driver was called to pick up a fare at a particular address and when he arrived three teenagers were waiting.

Checks later revealed they had no connection with the address given to the taxi operator.

The driver's employer, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said taxi firms had got together to ask for a meeting with the council and police which had been arranged for tomorrow.

He said: "There are actual fears for the safety of our drivers.

"We want more security, quicker response from the police and more safety by the council as well.

"I admit I am not sure what can be done in instances like this but it is something we need to talk about and try to find solutions."

Council solicitor Philip Mousdale said the meeting had been called as a result of the serious incident in Red Lane.

He added: "I am not aware of any other recent attacks but there is concern on the part of the council and members of the trade and it was felt it would be useful to get everyone together to see if there is anything we can be doing.

"This seems to have been a very deliberate attack."

Anyone with information about last Friday's attack is asked to contact police on 01282 425001.