A speeding driver caused a four-vehicle crash and then threatened a taxi driver at knifepoint before stealing his cab in what police say was a “terrifying ordeal”.

The suspect had reportedly raced through a major roundabout in Salford before the collision and then fled the scene on foot.

He ordered the nearby cabbie to hand over his keys, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The victim suffered injuries after being threatened on Regent Road at around 9.20pm on Friday by the suspect who then sped off towards the city centre.

Officers launched a search for the suspect and the stolen taxi.

With the help of another force, the vehicle was stopped around 11pm that night on the M42 in the West Midlands after being seen on the M6, said GMP.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

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He was set to be brought to Greater Manchester for questioning.

Officers said people at the scene of the multi-vehicle crash were hurt but their injuries were not life-threatening.

The cabbie’s injuries were also not life-threatening.

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“This is understandably a terrifying ordeal for those involved last night,” said Chief Inspector Simon Ashcroft, of GMP’s Salford district.

“But after a swift response by our dedicated local officers and the support of the wider force, we were not only able to manage the scene effectively, we also detained the suspect with assistance from colleagues in another force before any further harm could be caused.

“I hope this result shows that we will use all the resources available to us to detect and detain offenders quickly who are intent on causing unnecessary harm to innocent members of the public.”

Police have appealed for people to contact them if they have any information in connection with the incident or any footage, including dashcam, doorbell or CCTV.

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