Cab driver robbed by gang

Police say the robbers may have been in a club before the attack

A taxi driver was robbed by a gang who forced him to drive about six miles while one of the men held his throat.

The 54-year-old from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was targeted by the three men as he waited to pick up a pre-booked fare in Stockport.

The trio got into the cab at the Grand Central Complex on Wellington Road, at about 0200 BST on Friday.

The gang demanded to be taken to Gatley and when the cab stopped one of the men punched the driver while another stole his money.

It was, understandably, extremely harrowing and distressing for the driver who was just going about his work

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Foster

Greater Manchester Police said the attack was "utterly disgusting and cowardly" and are appealing for witnesses.

The men got into the car as the driver tried to explain that he was already booked.

One of the men wrapped his arm around the driver's throat, said he had a knife and threatened to use it if he did not drive them to Gatley.

The taxi driver drove on to the M60, came off at the Sharston exit and drove along Mayfield Road to Briardene Gardens.

The men got out and attacked the cabbie, before stealing £60 and running off.

Stolen glasses

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Foster said of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This was a totally and utterly disgusting and cowardly attack on this man.

"It was, understandably, extremely harrowing and distressing for the driver who was just going about his work.

"These men showed absolutely no regard for this man - as they left they even took his glasses from him so he was unable to drive away."

Police believe the men may have been to the Heaven and Hell nightclub before the attack.

All three men were white. One was aged about 18 with dark cropped hair and was wearing a large gold signet ring, another was about six feet tall and heavy build.

The third man was aged about 18, 5ft 8ins tall and had dark cropped hair.