Taxi driver strangled and punched in robbery

A taxi driver was strangled and punched while being robbed in Rochdale during the early hours of last Saturday morning (19 April).

Two offenders threatened the taxi driver at knifepoint and momentarily strangled him before he was punched in the head.

At about 2am the 32-year-old victim had been called to Dewhurst Road, where two men got in the car.

The victim was directed to Heywood Green Lane, but after driving only 200 yards, one of the men got out when the car stopped.

When the car reached Leyton Street, the man inside asked the driver to stop. The man who had gotten out earlier then got back inside.

The victim handed over money to the offenders after he had been attacked and the men then ran off along Dewhurst Road.

The victim was sent to hospital for observation.

The offenders are described as being white men. One was around 20-years-old, of slim build, about 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a white hooded top and spoke with a local accent. His accomplice was older, in his mid 20s, of heavy build and about 6ft tall. He was wearing a blue hooded top.

Detective Constable Tim O'Callaghan said: "This was an unnecessarily violent attack on the victim, who was simply going about his job.

"We are appealing for anyone who saw anything to please get in touch."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8632 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.