Police in Preston are due to meet with a group of campaigners calling for a city taxi driver to be charged.

Zaheer Hussain was released pending further investigation after a ‘hate filled rant’ against former Muslims who had become Christians.

Mr Hussain, had filmed himself being driven around the city, and after the clip was widely shared on social media he issued an apology.

The black cab driver was arrested on suspicion of religiously aggravated harassment in December last year.

He was released pending further investigation.

More than 2,000 people signed a petition calling for his licence to be permanently revoked by Preston City Council.

And emails seen by Blog Preston show Preston Police have been deluged with emails from campaigners calling for Hussain to be charged.

The Ex-Muslims Preston Association has also called for the police and the CPS to take action.

In an email, seen by Blog Preston, the Chief Inspector of Preston Police Steve Sansbury has offered to meet with some of those calling for Mr Hussain to be charged.

Initially he had stated a public meeting was being organised but Preston Police have confirmed this was a ‘miscommunication’.

Anthony Whitte, one of those calling for Mr Hussain to be charged, told Blog Preston: “It’s ludicrous that more than 2,500 people in Preston signed a petition calling for the removal of this man’s taxi badge.

“This man should have been charged and convicted months ago.

“The public I assume indicates that other concerned Prestonions been asking the same questions as I; that we’re all gobsmacked that nothing has happened.”

A spokesman for Preston Police told Blog Preston: “This is a private meeting to discuss the matter with several complainants. The initial invite to those individuals was miscommunicated.

“It is not a public meeting. Apologies for any confusion.”

The meeting is understood to be taking place before the end of July.

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