One of the problems of using a telephone to report an attack is that it is very difficult to locate the incident

Chief Inspector Alan Green

In a statement Superintendent Don Brown said: " We responded promptly and a number of arrests were made.

"The purpose of today's meeting is to try and allay any fears which drivers may have, advise on personal safety and assure them of our continued intention to maintain public order."

In an attempt to deter attacks police are already involved in a pilot project to fit some taxis with closed-circuit television cameras.

The technology means all that is needed in a cab is a microphone, a camera and alarm button.

The results of this trial are expected towards the end of the summer.

'Bound to help'

Chief Inspector Alan Green added: "One of the problems of using a telephone to report an attack is that it is very difficult to locate the incident.

"Any system that can speed up information which helps to locate the driver is bound to help."

The project has been welcomed by Zahir Bashir, whose uncle Quadir Hussain died when he was hit by a car while running away from an unprovoked attack on his taxi.

Three men were jailed, and Bolton Council passed a by-law to allow the installation of CCTV equipment in vehicles.