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A taxi driver was attacked and threatened while driving on the motorway.
It happened after the driver, 24, picked up two passengers in his silver Skoda Octavia in Northenden at about 6am on 14 August 2011.
The two men asked the private hire driver to take then to Wythenshawe, but while he was driving along the M56 the front seat passenger grabbed the driver's left arm and steering wheel and tried to take control of the car.
The offender then told the driver he would kill him unless he gave him some money.
At this point the driver tried to call 999 on his mobile phone, but the offender grabbed it and threw it out of the window.
Pulling onto the hard shoulder of the M56 near the Tuffley Road exit, the driver took the keys out of the ignition and left the car to escape.
The two men also left the car and ran up the embankment out of sight.
Police are now appealing to anyone who has information to come forward and have released an Evofit of one of the offenders.
The first suspect is described as:
- a white male
- aged 28 to 30
- medium build
- bad blotchy red skin on his arms and face
- very short brown hair
- wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt with blue horizontal stripes
The second suspect is described as:
- a white male
- slim build
- aged 30-32
- very short black hair
- wearing a black shirt and blue jeans
Detective Constable Dave Bigger, of West Didsbury CID, said:
"Every time a taxi driver picks up a passenger, particularly late at night or early morning, there always face a risk of being threatened or assaulted by people who are aggressive once they have had a drink.
"However, what this man tried to do went beyond that and attempted to take control of the car while it was being driven on the motorway.
"It could easily have caused a serious accident and people could have been hurt.
"It is completely unacceptable for taxi drivers to be targeted in this way.
"Most people do not have to face these risks at their place of work and neither should drivers.
"It is therefore very important we trace these men.
"I would like people to look carefully at the Evofit and if you think you recognise this man please call us.
"Also, if you saw two men fleeing up the embankment on the M56 then we also need to hear from you."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 6154.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
