Manganese Bronze, London’s black cab maker, could face liability claims from at least 800 owner-drivers whose vehicles were pulled off the road last week following 12 unexplained engine fires.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said on Wednesday it was unhappy about how long an investigation could take and that it would “pursue those responsible for compensation, and this could include London Taxis International [which makes the vehicles and is wholly owned by Manganese], the retailers, and very possibly Manganese and the finance companies”.