A TAXI driver was robbed at knifepoint and left stranded on the moors above Burnley in the middle of the night - before the offender drove off in his vehicle.

It was some time before the shocked taximan, who has not been named, found his way to a telephone to alert police.

Detective Sergeant Tony Ronan said: "He was not hurt, but was badly shocked after being threatened by a man holding a kitchen knife with a six inch blade.''

The driver, employed by Union Cabs, of Plumbe Street, Burnley, picked the fare up from the accident and emergency department at Burnley General Hospital at about 3am yesterday.

The man asked him to drive to the Harle Syke area. After turning right towards Roggerham Gate, the driver was threatened with the knife and asked to hand over his money.

The offender was given about £100 and then drove off in the purple Renault Savannah estate leaving the driver on the moors in the dark.

The vehicle was found abandoned in Casterton Avenue at 6am near to the where the fare was picked up.

The offender is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall with light brown hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who saw the man being picked up or the vehicle being brought back by the robber and left in Casterton Avenue to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

A man has been arrested and was today being questioned by police.

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