Cabbie robbed by teenage girl

A teenage girl armed with a knife robbed a taxi driver of cash and eletrical goods early on Monday.

It was the second knife robbery of cabbies within 24 hours, although the two incidents are not thought to be connected.

The attack heappened in Egerton Street, near Blue Coat School, where a driver was asked to pick up a fare at about 12.50am on Monday.

Two boys and two girls got into the car, before one of the girls — sitting in the front passenger seat, pulled out a knife.

The girl, described as of mixed race, aged 15 or 16 and wearing a headscarf which covered most of her face, threatened the driver and demanded money. Some cash and electrical goods were stolen before all four left.

The victim was only able to describe one of the boys, who was about the same age and of mixed race or Asian.

The other robbery was on Sunday at around 12.35am, when the victim was asked to collect a fare from Hawksmoor Drive, Shaw.

He picked up two male passengers, one who got in the front passenger seat and another who sat behind the driver.

The man sitting in the back, who was white, leaned over and held a knife to the driver’s throat, while the man in the front, described as black, aged 30-35, 6ft tall and of slim build, demanded cash. They stole cash and electrical goods before leaving the scene.

Det-Con Mike Hayman, of Oldham CID, said: “Both victims are innocent men simply trying to earn an honest living and we will work closely with taxi companies and the local community to identify those responsible.

“It is important residents work with us and tell us what they know, regardless of how insignificant they think that information might be.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161-856 8951, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.