TAXI firms in Accrington have called for more police patrols during the Euro 96 tournament.

A driver's cab was attacked minutes after England's victory over Scotland on Saturday.

A crowd of more than 30 men surrounded the car and caused £200 damage, smashing the widows with beer bottles.

The attack happened on the Holme Street rank. Police were called, but by the time officers arrived the men had disappeared.

Later, vandals caused a further £200 damage when they smashed a window of the Macdonalds restaurant in Blackburn Road.

Inspector Mick Gradwell of Accrington police, said: "Large groups were drinking in the town and, shortly after the game, people decided to switch pubs.

"Taxi firms were taken by surprise by the large number of the people on the street and were calling for a bigger police presence.

"They were asking for patrols to be increased particularly in the Church Street area.

"We had a constructive discussion with the taxi drivers and we were able to resolve the matter amicably."

The police have contingency plans to cope with further trouble in the Hyndburn area if England progress in the tournament.

Extra officers will be bought in to patrol Accrington and the CCTV cameras will also be used to keep a watch on known trouble spots.

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