A MAN was robbed at knifepoint by a masked thug as he waited for a taxi.

The 32-year-old victim was waiting for a taxi at the junction of Clarence Street and Tyldesley Old Road in Tyldesley when, at about 1am yesterday morning, he was approached by a man with a scarf covering the bottom half of his face.

Pointing a knife at his victim, the robber demanded cash and grabbed the man's wallet.

The attacker then ran off in the direction of Atherton town centre, before turning down an alleyway towards fields behind St Anne’s Church.

The robber was black, around 25 to 29 years old and 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in tall.

He was stocky, with short, dark hair and had a local accent.

His clothes were all dark, with dark gloves and a dark scarf over the bottom half of his face.

Det Con Lynsey Watson said: “The victim was understandably fearful during the attack, during which he felt the point of the knife held against his side as he fumbled for his wallet."

Police also warned that they believe the man was willing to use the knife if challenged.

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8567225 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.