A MAN grabbed a taxi driver from behind and demanded money, before running away empty handed.

The man put his arms around the driver’s neck before getting out and kicking the vehicle in the attempted robbery at 2.25am this morning.

Police said the man had got the taxi at Berkley Street in Nelson and asked to be taken to Padiham.

The driver flagged down a police officer in his Vauxhall Insignia soon after the incident.

Police are investigating.