A woman taxi driver was threatened at knifepoint by a man who got into her car.

Today police put out an urgent warning to all taxi firms to be on their guard for the attacker.

The taxi driver was sitting at a taxi rank in Station Road, Clacton, in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday) when the man got into her car.

Once they had got on the journey he pulled out a long-bladed knife and pointed it at the woman.

She managed to steer the car towards a group of other taxi drivers gathered in the town centre and called for help.

The man then jumped out of the vehicle and ran off along Rosemary Road.

Sgt Gary Chapman of Clacton Police said the driver did not hand over any money and was not injured in the incident.

"Luckily she was not hurt, only threatened, but it is obviously frightening for a lone female driver to be put through this type of ordeal," he said.

"She did well to steer the car over towards colleagues and the man took fright and ran off."

The man with the knife is described as in his mid to late 20s and of medium build and he had dark eyebrows. He was wearing a yellow rainjacket with a hood.

Sgt Chapman said taxi firms should be aware of what happened and drivers should take extra care.

He also appealed for anyone who had been in the area of Station Road or Rosemary Road and may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Jason Dearsley on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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