A minicab driver was slashed with a knife during an attempted robbery in Bradford.

Mohammed Saleem, 59, who started working for Jenny’s M&R Private Hire in Halifax Road six weeks ago, was left with cuts to hands, mouth and tongue.

The attack took place shortly before midnight on Monday in Cemetery Road, Low Moor.

Mr Saleem had driven about half a mile after picking up a fare at the Gaping Goose in Wibsey when the passenger began tugging at the steering wheel and attacked him.

Yesterday, Mr Saleem’s boss Tariq Hussain said: “All the drivers were upset and shocked when they heard what happened.

“I should have six drivers working that night but they all went off.

“Every week something happens like getting missiles smashed through the car windows, and probably once a month a driver actually gets attacked. It’s losing me business and drivers.

“This time the police were there quickly with their dogs but it’s not always like that. We usually struggle to get them to take our reports seriously.”

Deputy leader of Bradford Council Councillor Imran Hussain, who has responsibility for community safety, said: “I regularly speak with drivers and with the police and if there are concerns about police not taking enough action I will take it up with them next time we meet.”

Father-of-nine Mr Saleem, of Great Horton, said: “At first I thought I had been punched and he had burst my lip.

“Then I felt a blade on my face and a sharp scratch. I held onto his hand, but he pulled it back and cut my hand.

“After he had gone I realised the extent of blood on my face. I tried to stem the blood, I had no time to think. I was in shock and I was panicked.”

Mr Saleem said he has a three-and-a-half inch cut on his face, starting from the middle of his lips and ending on his cheek.

Mr Saleem has been a cab driver for more than 30 years but, for the time being, his family say he will not be returning to the job.

l A 34-year-old man was last night being questioned by police on suspicion of attempted robbery.