Taxi driver held at gunpoint and robbed by passengers in Middleton

A taxi driver was held at gunpoint and robbed by passengers in Middleton.

Shortly before 10.20pm on Tuesday 24 April 2018, police were called to reports that a man had been threatened with a suspected gun on Langley Lane in Middleton.

Two men had ordered a taxi to Aragon Street in Heywood and asked to be taken to Heywood Old Road.

Whilst on route, the men then redirected the taxi to Langley Lane and once it came to a stop, held the driver at gunpoint and demanded cash.

The duo stole the 34-year-old man’s wallet before punching him in the head and fleeing in the direction of Heywood Old Road.

The victim was able to drive to safety and raise the alarm.

The offenders have been described as white, in their late teens or early twenties and were wearing grey tracksuits.

One man was described as approximately 5ft 7ins tall while the second man was described as 5ft 9ins tall with brown hair and stubble.

Detective Constable Anthony Taylor, of GMP’s Rochdale borough, said: “Whilst the victim wasn’t injured, he has been left extremely shaken after this attack and no-one should ever be made to fear for their life like that.

“The offenders got in that taxi armed and had clearly thought out their attack. Fear and violence will never be tolerated on our streets and we need the public’s help to find these men.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or has any information that could assist our investigation to please call police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4810 quoting incident number 2332 of 24/04/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.