Appeal after taxi driver has his throat cut and car stolen

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a 39-year-old taxi driver had his throat cut and car stolen in Middleton.

Police were called to Stakehill Industrial Estate at 9.30pm on Tuesday night, where they discovered the driver with a wound to his neck. He was taken to hospital for treatment to a slit throat. His wound was stitched up and he has since been discharged.

The victim had previously taken a customer to the Harbord Harbord (Wetherspoon) pub and was parked up outside when the offender asked for to be taken to the Stakehill Industrial Estate.

Once there the offender stabbed the man with a knife and drove off in his car, a black Vauxhall Vectra, which moments later collided with a parked car at the junction of Kingsley Road and Stanycliffe Lane.

A teenager, described as white, 16 or 17 years old, of medium build and with a shaved head, was seen running away from the scene.

Detective Inspector Melani Linton, said: “The fact the victim is recovering at home is not a true reflection of the injuries sustained or torment he has endured.

“He is extremely lucky not to have been more seriously injured or even killed because of this attack and we need the public’s help to identify the culprit.

“Did someone you know, who matches the description, come home in an agitated state, perhaps with blood on their clothing last night or this morning? If so we want to hear from you.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone in the community or might think they know who is responsible.

“We will treat all information in the strictest confidence and you might be able to help take a dangerous criminal off the streets.”

Witnesses to the incident or anyone with information about the offender is asked to call police on 0161 856 4644, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.