A BUILDING surveyor has re-lived the terrifying moment a knife-wielding car-jacker jumped into his vehicle and threatened to stab him.

The thug told his victim: "I'm giving you a second to get out of the car or I'll stab you."

But despite the threats, the 27-year-old had the presence of mind to lock the car-jacker in his vehicle with a remote locking device, before running away and calling the police.

This prevented the car-jacker from stealing the vehicle.

The victim, who does not want to be identified, said his quick-thinking by locking the car was a knee-jerk reaction'.

He was on his way to see a friend in Clitheroe and had stopped at traffic lights in Casterton Avenue, Burnley, at the junction with Colne Road, at 1pm on Saturday.

The thug armed with a six-inch hunting knife jumped in the back of his Ford Focus.

The car jacker, who police believe panicked after being locked in, was unable to get out of the vehicle straight away.

He then opened a window and climbed out, and fled towards Burnley General Hospital.

The victim, who lives in the Casterton Avenue area, said: "The man said I'm giving you a second to get out of the car or I'll stab you'.

"I didn't even have to think about it. I just jumped out of the car and locked it because I was so terrified.

"I think it was just a knee-jerk reaction to lock the car because I always lock it when I leave it. I was absolutely terrified. I thought he might kill me.

"I've never had anything like this happen to me before and it's been a real shock.

"I go on the road every-day on my way to work but now I'm worried about stopping at the traffic lights.

"From now on I will be keeping my doors locked at all times and be wary about stopping for people asking for directions."

After the driver had run away, witnesses have described how a passer-by tried to force open the door using a metal implement, before the car-jacker climbed out of the window.

It is not known if this man was accomplice or a member of the public trying to offer his help, not realising the situation.

Insp Dave Croll said: "This was very traumatic for the victim.

"Car-jackings are very uncommon in the Burnley area and there have not been any for a considerable time."

The offender was an Asian man in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5ft 10in tall, of a medium build and with short black hair.

He had a full beard and was wearing a black baseball cap, a black jacket and dark trousers and had a local accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call DS Stuart Dixon at Burnley CID on 01282 427144.