DETECTIVES were today hunting an armed robber who held up a taxi driver at gunpoint.

The driver was called to a house in Emily Street, in Burnley, just before 8pm on Friday to pick up a customer when the man struck.

As the driver waited in the street for his fare to come out of the house, a man came out of a nearby alleyway and produced what police believe was a gun.

The robber threatened the cabbie and demanded money from him.

He made further threats but the victim refused to give him any money.

At this point the robber pulled out a large knife and made more threats.

But he made off down the alleyway he had come out of without any money when the driver called for help on his radio.

The offender is described as a white male, in his early to mid-20s, 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in, of medium build, with dark hair and a local accent.

He had a long face, which was clean shaven and was wearing a dark waist-length jacket and dark trousers.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, or anyone who recognises the description of the man, to contact them.

Any with information should telephone Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.