Taxi driver grabbed in headlock in frightening attempted robbery

Police are searching for a man after an attempted robbery of a taxi driver in Melborune’s east earlier this month.

Detectives have been told a man booked a taxi in Malvern East on September 8 under the false name ‘Jeff’.

He was picked up on Blackfriars Road, Wantirna about 6.30pm and taken to an address on Dandenong Road, Malvern East about 7pm.

When the taxi pulled over, the man (pictured above), who had been in the front passenger seat of the taxi, then reached over and grabbed the driver in a headlock, pressing an unknown object to the back of his neck and demanding cash.

The driver stated he had no money inside the vehicle and the man fled empty-handed.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au