A FRESH call for CCTV systems to be fitted in private hire vehicles has been made after four drivers were attacked and robbed by a gang in Bolton.

The men were targeted over a five-hour period earlier this week.

Now one of the victims, Ishaq Patel, has called for CCTV to be fitted to all taxis as soon as possible.

The 44-year-old from Halliwell, who was the second driver to be attacked, said: "If we had cameras in the vehicles, this would never have happened. I am reconsidering my future. I dont know if I could drive again without cameras in the car. It is too risky."

Taxi boss Asif Ali, from Rapid Private Hire in Bolton, added: "The safety of drivers is paramount.

"The issue of cameras has been under review for many years but taxi firms need to get together now and take the decision to implement the cameras.

"But the council must help towards the cost - £2,000 per vehicle - otherwise the firms will have to pass it onto customers by increasing their fares."

The first robbery happened shortly after 8.15pm on Tuesday. A taxi driver was hailed outside Alldays store in Brownlow Way, Bolton, and directed to Darley Street, where he was punched in the face, and his takings were stolen.

At around 10pm, a taxi was booked at Redline taxis on Halliwell Road. The driver, Mr Patel, took his passengers to Darley Street where he was assaulted and threatened with an iron bar.

He refused to hand over any money so the vehicle was smashed up, causing £600 of damage.

The third incident occurred at 11.20pm when a taxi driver picked up a group of men from Adams Taxis in Bolton town centre and drove to the same location where he was attacked and robbed.

Finally, at around 1.45am, a taxi collected a fare from STB taxis in Gleve Street. He was asked to take them to Mere Hall View, close to Darley Street, where he was threatened with a fire extinguisher from his own vehicle.

The driver was then beaten up and his mobile phone and some cash was stolen.

Sgt Martin Bell from the robbery unit at Bolton said: "These were nasty attacks on taxi drivers who were just going about their daily jobs.

"Although they were not seriously injured, they were threatened and assaulted by the gang."

Cllr Andy Morgan, chairman of the Taxi and Private hire Consultative Panel, said: "CCTV in cabs isn't a new issue in Bolton.

"We would support the drivers in any attempt to get such a scheme up and running but the council cannot afford to pay for it.

"We are happy to discuss any other ways we can help bring it about."

l Three men have been arrested by police and are helping with inquiries.