TERRIFIED taxi drivers in Bury have become the first in the country to be issued with personal attack alarms by police.

And Thursday's (Nov 23) move, in the wake of the murder of cabbie Tariq Javed, comes as dozens of drivers have quit because of fears surrounding their safety.

Bury police have given local taxi companies 300 attack alarms which will be distributed to drivers deemed most vulnerable to the threat of danger.

The gesture follows a series of meetings between police and representatives of the taxi trade and Bury Council over measures for increased driver security.

Superintendent Steve Westcott said: "While we hope these alarms never have to be used, we recognise that taxi drivers do a difficult and sometimes dangerous job. "The donation of these alarms underlines our commitment to support taxi drivers and work with them and the licensing authorities to make Bury a safer place for taxi drivers and passengers alike."

Mr Naz Khan, owner of Bury-based Peel Cars where Mr Javed worked, said about the alarms: "This is something which we welcome.

"If passengers know drivers have these personal attack alarms, then they will think twice about doing anything which poses a threat to them." He added: "A lot of taxi companies in Bury are concerned about safety.

"Six of my own drivers have quit following the murder."

Mr Khan issued a thank-you to everyone in the town who had sent messages of support and sympathy to his company following Mr Javed's death.

The security boost has also been welcomed by Mr Bryan Roland, general secretary of the UK-wide National Private Hire Association based in Bury.

He said: "This is brilliant. It's the first time in the country such a thing has happened and I hope police forces and councils elsewhere in the UK follow suit.

"It's a good initiative."

Supt Westcott added: "Nobody simply going about their daily business should have to pay the terrible price Mr Javed paid."

Meanwhile, up to 10,000 mourners are expected to attend Mr Javed's funeral service which will be held on Sunday (Nov 26) at Bury's Market Street athletics track.

This will be followed by burial at Bury Cemetery.

An inquest into the death will be opened and adjourned in the town today. (Fri Nov 24).

On Tuesday, Bury Town Hall staged a collective civic condemnation meeting in tribute to Mr Javed.

More than 70 dignitaries attended including MPs, police, council chiefs and representatives from the ethnic community.