A cabbie is fighting for compensation after a vicious knuckle duster attack which he said has left him too frightened to work and unable to support his family.

Mohammed Suleman, 44, says he has suffered recurring nightmares since he was seriously injured in an unprovoked assault six weeks ago and is receiving medical treatment for depression.

His solicitor, Jaroslaw Stachiw, is now fighting for compensation of "thousands of pounds".

Mr Stachiw said doctors have ordered Mr Suleman, of Legrams Lane, not to return to work for at least three months. In the meantime, his family and friends are helping provide financial support for his wife and five children.

Police have yet to catch the lone attacker and his solicitor is seeking compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

Mr Stachiw, from Bradford partners Stachiw and Bashir, said he was confident the cabbie would receive thousands of pounds.

The attack took place on February 20 when Mr Suleman - who had only taken up the job six months earlier - picked up a fare in the city centre. The passenger directed the cab to a house in Five Lane Ends and then asked to go on to Thorpe Edge. Before they arrived, Mr Suleman, a Hackney carriage driver, was told to pull into a cul-de-sac by the Ring O'Bells pub.

As soon as the car stopped, the passenger, who was in the front seat, began punching him in the face with a knuckle duster. A passing minicab driver alerted the police and he was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary where he needed 11 stitches.

Mr Suleman said: "Since the attack I keep having nightmares and I am under treatment for depression. The incident has left me too frightened to go back to my job. Friends are having to help me support my family."

Mr Stachiw said he believed Mr Suleman was suffering post traumatic stress syndrome."

While the physical scars would probably be permanent, the mental effect of the incident was even more devastating, he added.

Shabir Hussain, chairman of the Bradford Association of Hackney Carriages, said the case highlighted the dangers the city's drivers faced.

"It is disgusting, especially considering his age and the fact it was an unprovoked attack," he said. "Being a taxi driver is the most dangerous job you can do in Bradford. These people are providing a service and are trying to support their families and they are constantly being attacked and robbed."

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