A TAXI driver was forced to hand over a large amount of cash after being threatened by a man with a knife, it has been reported.

Police say the incident happened at 1.30pm on Tuesday in Hemlington Hall Road, Middlesbrough.

A silver Skoda Octavia taxi was parked in a layby opposite the entrance to the Viewley Centre, when a man approached the driver and threatened him with a knife while demanding cash.

The victim’s wallet was stolen, containing a large amount of cash, before the suspect made off.

The suspect is described as a white male, about 6ft 2” tall, wearing a white baseball cap and a light green hooded top.

He also had a white mask which he was wearing on his chin.

Officers are appealing to anyone with information or any drivers who may have been passing in their vehicles around the time of the incident, who may have dash cam footage which could assist their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Dawn Rogers on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 121988.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.