A Workington cabbie has spoken of his concern for taxi drivers' safety after a man had a knife held to his chest at a taxi rank in the town.

Police said a man with a weapon described as a kitchen knife approached the victim in Washington Street, Workington, in the early hours of the morning.

The knifeman then got into a taxi. It happened at about 3.30am on Sunday.

The man was white, aged about 40, was bald, wore glasses and was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.

Taxi driver Ray Cottier, 56, was not working that night but said: "I've heard it happen in other towns but never thought it would happen in Workington.

"It's very frightening actually because when you think about it you don't know who's getting into a car with you.

"It's worrying, I don't work the night shift and I wouldn't go back on it if things like that are going to happen.

"There used to be a good police presence but since they closed the big nightclubs the police don't seem to be there anymore."

Sergeant Andy Miller, of Cumbria Police, said: “I would like to reassure the public that these type of incidents are extremely rare and we are doing everything we can to ascertain what has happened.”

Officers are appealing for information on 101.