Cabbie robbed at knifepoint

A taxi driver was robbed at knifepoint by his passenger in Greater Manchester.

The driver had his takings stolen after he was threatened with the eight-inch kitchen knife on Thursday night in Whalley Range.

In response his taxi firm has started refusing to pick up night-time fares in certain areas in a bid to protect its drivers.

His passenger produced the knife as he was preparing to get out of the taxi at the end of his journey, which began in Chorlton at about 2300 GMT.

Phone snatched

Although the 29-year-old driver was not injured in the incident, he was left shaken and had £50 stolen.

He had picked up his passenger - who sat in the front seat - in Fox Bench Walk.

As he asked for his fare when they reached William Kay Close, just off Bold Street, the passenger snatched his mobile phone from the car charger and produced the knife.

Police said in response the driver's firm Olympus has started refusing to pick up night fares from the Nell Lane estate.

The offender was black, about 30, 5ft 8ins tall, and of medium build with short black hair. He was clean-shaven and wore dark clothing.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact CID at Elizabeth Slinger Road police station.