Taxi driver tricked into helping cyclist robbed at knifepoint by scam gang

A taxi driver was tricked into helping a cyclist before being robbed at knifepoint by a scam gang.

Northumbria Police report the victim had just dropped off a passenger when the cabbie spotted a cyclist who appeared to have fallen from his bike.

When the taxi driver stopped to help, the door to his taxi was opened and two males in dark clothing grabbed his cash bag and tore his clothing while in possession of a suspected ‘bladed article’.

The offenders then made off on foot along Cottingwood Green, along with the cyclist who had jumped up and was back on his bike.

The driver, who was shaken but uninjured, attempted to track their whereabouts but lost sight of them and called 999.

The incident took place on Newcastle Road, Newsham at 11.30pm Tuesday 4 May.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We are now asking the public to assist us with the investigation. If you saw this incident – or saw a silver Skoda Octavia taxi driving in the area between 11.20pm and 11.50pm - please get in touch with us.

“Your information, however small or insignificant you feel it may be, could prove the key to making sure the offenders responsible are located and put before the courts.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website quoting log 1214 040521. Alternatively, you can ring independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.