Rocks were thrown through the windows of two cars which were stopped at traffic lights near Vivary Way, a driver was punched in the head while filling up with petrol off North Valley Road and two men hurled stones and shouted racist abuse at the offices of Eagle Star Taxis in Dockray Street.

Police put a stop to a similar outbreak of attacks involving taxis last year by sending plain clothes officers to pose as customers and drivers in cabs.

Officers said the scheme would be reintroduced immediately after the latest spate of incidents which happened between Thursday and Saturday. Hot spot areas will be targeted, including the North Valley "corridor" and retail park, Vivary Way and the town centre. Extra marked patrols will also be sent out.

Mr Mohammad Akram, of the Pendle Taxis Association, which holds monthly meetings with police, said: "Everybody has to do a job, and taxi drivers are just trying to provide a service. It's shocking and frightening what's gone on after everyone worked so hard to stop attacks on taxis before Christmas.

"Police, Pendle Council and taxi companies did everything they could, and hopefully we can stamp this thuggery out again. If similar attacks occur, those responsible will be caught. There's no doubt about that, because it's worked before."

The attack at the petrol station, which happened at 9-20 p.m. on Saturday, was captured on CCTV. Four youths aged about 17 verbally abused the driver, before one of them struck him on the forehead. The victim was shaken but did not need hospital treatment.

A passenger was lucky to escape injury when a rock thrown from behind a wall smashed through the window of the cab he was travelling in along Vivary Way at 7-45 p.m. on Thursday.
A taxi driver was alone in his car and waiting at traffic lights near Preston's BMW garage when he was confronted by a gang of 15 boys at 6-15 p.m. on Friday. One of them threw a stone at the vehicle and the group ran off towards Dale Street.

Sgt John Fryer said: "We don't think the same people are behind these incidents, but they all involve taxi drivers. Hundreds of vehicles use that road every hour, so it does appear that these are not random attacks.
"It's a stupid thing to do. Not only could a brick hit the driver or a passenger, they are showered with shards of glass when the windows break."

Two 23-year-old men from Colne were arrested in connection with a racist attack on the Eagle Star Taxis office on Dockray Street. Both were released on police bail.