Taxi driver threatened with knife while parked on busy road

A manhunt has been launched after a taxi driver was threatened at knife-point in Kilmarnock.

The 59-year-old private hire driver was parked on Western Road at around 7.35am on Wednesday, February 10, when he was approached by a man who threatened him with a knife without any warning.

The man demanded cash from the driver but ran off empty handed leaving the cabbie “shaken” but unharmed.

Officers are checking local CCTV to try and find the suspect who is described as white, in his mid 20s, of slim build and average height and wearing dark clothing.

The taxi is a black Toyota Avensis and police are appealing for help from members of the public who were in the area around the time of the incident.

Detective constable Danny Ver Berne, Kilmarnock CID, said: “The driver was parked waiting on a fare when the man walked towards the car.

“Without any warning, he brandished a knife at him and demanded cash. However, he ran off without any money along Western Road and towards nearby Archibald Craig Place.

“Western Road is a busy road, it’s the main road through Kilmarnock Town Centre to the A77 to Glasgow and we know there were a number of cars, a coach and people in the area at time.

“The attack happened very quickly. You might not think you saw anything of significance but if you were in the area between 7.25 am and 7.40 am and maybe saw something unusual or a man running away from the taxi then please get in touch.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with private CCTV footage or dash-cam from the area during that time as well.”

Information can be passed to officers at Kilmarnock Police Station via 101 by quoting reference number 0483 of Wednesday, February 10.

Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.