A KNIFE-wielding man climbed into a parked taxi in St Helens town centre and robbed cash from the private hire driver before making the cabbie take him to Halewood.

Detectives, who are trying to make a breakthrough in the investigation, have issued CCTV images of a man they would like to speak in connection with the incident, which happened just days before Christmas.

Police say the taxi driver parked his red Peugeot car on Bridge Street in St Helens, opposite the Nelson public house, to go to a nearby shop.

When he returned to his car an unknown man jumped into the front passenger seat armed with a knife. The man threatened the driver and demanded to be taken to the Halewood area.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "The male also demanded cash and the driver handed over a quantity of cash. When the vehicle stopped in the car park of the Eagle and Child pub on Church Road in Halewood, the male got out and the taxi driver was able to drive away."

The man is described as white, aged in his mid-30s, of a stocky build, with short hair. He spoke with a Liverpool accent.

Detective Constable Roy Waller said: "Thankfully the taxi driver was not hurt but understandably was left badly shaken by his ordeal.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in the Nelson pub in St Helens or the Eagle and Child pub in Halewood who may have seen anyone matching this description to come forward and assist us with our enquiries."

Anyone with information on the incident, which happened at around 6pm on December 22, 2016, can contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 6802 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.