A TAXI driver was threatened with a knife when he went to pick up a fare in Redditch.

It happened on Saturday, February 9, at about 4.15pm in Ladygrove Close.

The driver pulled up in Ladygrove Close and a young man got in to the front passenger seat. He then pulled a knife from his pocket and told the driver to give him the money. The driver grabbed the blade and there was a brief scuffle between them before the man got out and ran off. He left empty handed.

The offender is described as white, aged between 18 and 20 and was wearing a blue checked hooded top with a beige coloured scarf around his neck.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andy Baxter said: “This was a nasty attack on the driver but fortunately he was not hurt.

“We are eager to hear from anyone who saw this happen or thinks they may have seen this man in the area.“

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Det Con Baxter at Redditch Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the incident reference 147-N-090213, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.