More than 1,000 petitioners have called for Zaheer Hussain, a Preston taxi driver, to lose his license.

Zaheer Hussain, 41, was arrested last week following a hate-filled rant video against Christians he posted on social media.

Preston Police started an investigation in the matter but have since released Mr. Hussain pending further questioning.

Preston City Council also confirmed that Mr. Hussain was licensed to drive Hackney cabs (black cabs) in the city and they are investigating.

25-year-old Daniel Allen, from Preston, started the petition in response to watching the hate-rant video online.

He said: “This petition is addressed to the city Council of Preston and it was initiated with the intention to have Hussain’s taxi license revoked after that video was uploaded to social media.”

“The video shows the Mr. Hussain engaged in hate speech by threatening to rape people who converted from Islam to Christianity.”

“He also expressed hate towards Christians within the video and therefore he’s shown an extreme conflict of interest given the nature of his job.”

“People should feel safe when in his taxi; however given these comments and the nature of them, it would compromise people’s safety if Mr. Hussain was to continue as a taxi driver.”

The video, which Mr. Hussain has since apologized for in a second video, which was filmed as he and a friend can be seen driving by Moor Park.

A Taxi committee is due to meet on Wednesday January 9. Mr. Hussain could be called before this committee to explain his outburst to councilors if they decide to move to strip him off his license.