POLICE hunting a gang of thugs who attacked a taxi driver in Birkby have released images from the camera in the cab.

It is the first time police have released images captured by the cab cameras, although some have been used as evidence in court cases.

The CCTV is part of a system funded by Kirklees Council to protect taxi drivers.

The taxi driver was assaulted on Norwood Road in Birkby on August 14.

The 37-year old driver went at 2am to pick up a fare from Croft Gardens in Birkby. There he was met by four males, who wanted to go to Dalton.

Det Insp Mark Truelove said: “As the journey began, the front seat passenger became aggressive towards the taxi driver and punched him before he and the remaining three passengers got out of the taxi on Norwood Road.

"All ran off.

“The rear window of the taxi was also damaged as the suspects ran away, leaving the taxi driver with injuries”.

Police have now studied images taken from the taxi’s camera and released two photos of suspects.

The cameras were fitted after a project agreed by Kirklees Council in December, 2009.

Councillors agreed to fund CCTV cameras for taxis and approved £28,000 for 100 devices to prevent theft, abuse and assault against drivers.

There are about 1,800 cabbies in Kirklees and the cameras have been shared out between hackney cab drivers and private hire firms.