A TAXI driver has told of his horror at being attacked by a gang of youths in an alleged race attack.

Sajid Bhatti says he is scared to go back behind the wheel following the attack on New Year's Eve outside Shrub Hill Station, Worcester.

He said: "I haven't got in my cab since. It's just shocking, I am scared. I don't feel safe in a taxi."

Mr Bhatti, aged 33, suffered a fractured skull, an eye haemorrhage and a broken nose.

Police arrested a 16-year-old male and two 18-year-old men on suspicion of racially or religiously aggravated assault. They have been bailed until February 1.

They also injured two other taxi drivers who tried to end the beating.

Mr Bhatti was parked in the taxi rank outside the station when his vehicle was targeted at around 11pm.

"I haven't got in my cab since. It's just shocking, I am scared. I don't feel safe in a taxi."

The father-of-three remembers two or three assailants in front of him but his brother-in-law says another driver saw up to 10 people attacking him.

An ambulance took Mr Bhatti, who has lived in Worcester for seven years, to Worcestershire Royal Hospital A&E, following the attack.

He was told he needed a CT scan by an eye specialist he met in Kidderminster on Tuesday.

The driver, who is originally from Pakistan, just wanted to protect his new taxi, which he bought in April.

He was so frightened by the attack that he chose to partially cover his face for our photograph.

Salim Khan, Mr Bhatti's brother-in-law, said: "I think they are cowards. If it was one-on-one then it's fair but a whole gang is not on.

"He has kids to feed. He has bills to pay. We want protection. Drivers were scared to come out as they are scared of losing their badge.

"We want council backing that in self-defence we can protect ourselves and our property."

Mr Khan, 39, went to visit his brother-in-law in hospital and says he was 'black and blue' with a bent nose and blood everywhere.

Worcester City Council declined to comment.

British Transport Police say three men in their 20s, 30s and 50s were assaulted in the incident and all suffered facial injuries.

The police are appealing for witnesses to call 0800 555 111 or text 61016, quoting reference number 458 31/12/16.