Preston taxi driver feared death as he was '˜beaten' by passengers

Ahmed Iqbal, from Preston, was driving home three men from Preston city centre to Walkden when one of them reached through from the backseat and put the car’s gearstick in reverse, stalling the car in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The cabbie turned to ask why the passenger had done that and was punched on the left side of his face.

The three men then exited the taxi on Church Street, Preston, opened the driver’s side door and attacked the 47-year-old cabbie. Mr Iqbal managed to driver away from the group, fearing for his safety.

He said: “I remember thinking that if I stay here they are going to kill me.”

Mr Iqbal went to Royal Preston Hospital where he was kept overnight and recieved treatment for his injuries.

He said: “When I think about what happened I start shaking in fear.

“My two daughters, who are 19 and 21, want me to stop being a cabbie as they fear for my safety.

“My parents, who live in Pakistan, have been ringing me every day because they are so worried.”

He added: “I’ve got to pay the bills and mortgage but I am scared to work in my current job now.

“If I do continue being a black cab driver, I’m going to have to get CCTV for my car for my own protection.”

Police were called to the scene at 3:45am and investigations are taking place.

Mr Iqbal and his family are also appealing to witnesses for any help in identifying the passengers.