POLICE in Darwen want to speak to pub revellers who may have witnessed an incident where a man was dragged along the road by a taxi.

Officers say the 28-year-old Darwen man was pulled 20 yards along Blackburn Road outside the George pub when his hand became trapped in the car window. It is believed he'd had a disagreement with the driver.

The victim, who has not yet been named, suffered a fractured collar-bone and vertebrae. He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary but later released.

PC Andy Chenery said: "This lad said he had booked the taxi on Sunday but it drove on and picked up someone else. He went over to the driver's open window to speak to him, resting his hand on the window.

"He said the driver wound the window up, trapping his hand, and drove off. He was pulled along the road for about 20 yards and as the car speeded up he fell to the ground which caused the damage to his shoulder.

Officers are trying to trace a woman who was in the back seat of the taxi when the incident occured. She is believed to be called Ann and is described as about 40 with mousy or dark curly hair. She was wearing a grey jacket.

PC Chenery said he was aware which taxi firm was involved but wanted to gather more evidence before identifying them. Anyone with information should contact him at Darwen Police Station or telephone 01254 51212.