A TAXI driver had his takings stolen from him during a suspected knife-point robbery.

The man had been in his taxi at 9.30pm on Friday night on Lincoln Road, Blackburn, when he was approached by a male wearing a hooded top.

An object - believed to be a knife - was then pressed to the driver's throat and the man demanded his cash.

The driver managed to push the man away, injuring his hand in the process, and the robber fled with the money.

Police said that the thief was an Asian male, in his mid to late 20s, of medium height and build and was also unshaven.

He was wearing a dark coloured hooded top and was also thought to be wearing gloves.

Detectives are currently appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

DC Jenny Hammond at Blackburn CID said: “The victim was visibly shaken by his experience, which was a serious attack in what is quite a respectable area.

“We have been speaking to shopkeepers and residents nearby and the neighbourhood’s Community Beat Manager is currently reassuring people in the area. Knife crime of this nature is very serious and we would urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

Manager of Blackburn’s Highfield Taxis, Farooq Khan, who is also from the borough’s private hire association, said taxi drivers need more advice and feedback.

He said: “There are times when we don’t feel safe and when that happens we need more information, which just isn’t happening at the moment. I know of cases where drivers haven’t reported crimes because they don’t feel they will get anything back from it.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.