A TAXI driver almost lost an eye after three men robbed and seriously assaulted him in Accring-ton.
The men, passengers in the car, had been collected from outside JJB Sports, on St James Street, Burnley, at around 2am on Sunday.
The attack happened 10 minutes later as the trio were dropped off on Burnley Road, at the junction with Penny House Lane.
The taxi driver, an Asian man from Brierfield, was driving a silver Vauxhall Astra from UK Private Hire.
Police believe the thieves escaped with £60 and the attack is not thought to be racially-motivated.
The taxi driver was taken to Burnley General Hospital. Initially it was feared that he would lose an eye but he has since been discharged after receiving several stitches to his left eye.
Detective Sergeant Paul Rudd said: "This was a nasty attack and I appeal to members of the public with any information to come forward.
"It appears to have been a completely unprovoked ass-ault and we are very keen to catch the man responsible.
"While the driver didn't suffer any broken bones, he has been left with facial injuries and was extremely shaken by the incident.
"I would urge anyone with information, including those people said to be with the offenders on the night, to search their consciences and come forward."
He added: "Taxi drivers provide a vital public service to all sectors of the community. Attacks of this nature simply will not be tolerated.
"Working with the taxi association we will be doing everything we can to find the offenders responsible and to help prevent any future incidents of this nature."
Mohammed Arif, chairman of Hyndburn Taxi Association, said: "We are quite concerned as it's very frightening.
"The driver could have lost an eye.
"We will be speaking to the police. We need more officers patrolling the town centre..
"The taxi drivers would feel much safer if they knew the police were there."
Witnesses should contact police on 08451 253 545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
