A TAXI driver trying to act as a good samaritan was dragged along the road for 200 metres by his own cab during a carjacking.

Cyril Holman, aged 60, who works for Town Taxis, was driving his white Peugeot in Daventry Road, Kirkholt, when a 4X4 flashed its lights and gestured for him to pull over.

A woman, who had no front teeth and was wearing pyjamas, got out of the 4X4 and pleaded for his help. When he went to assist her, she jumped into his car and started to drive off.

He then grabbed the steering wheel and was dragged along the road, clinging to the car during the terrifying incident at 9.50pm on Tuesday.

The 4X4, which was driven by a man, also sped off.

Mr Holman, who lives in Cronkeyshaw, was rushed to Rochdale Infirmary and had 20 stitches in a deep cut to his temple

He also suffered a black eye and grazes to his hands.

He bravely decided to speak out to the Observer about his ordeal to warn other taxi drivers.

He said: "When I was flashed by the car I thought it was the police so I slowed down.

"I was approached by a woman asking for help so I got out of my car.

"The next minute she’s in my car and, for some reason, I grabbed the steering wheel.

"I was dragged along the road but I don’t remember much about what happened next because I think I was knocked out.

"Even though I had to have 20 stitches, I suppose I’m quite lucky because I could have been run over by my own car or the 4X4.

"The consequences of that do not bear thinking about. I could have been killed."

He says the incident has forced him to question his judgement and believes he will never stop to help anyone again.

He added: "I’ve worked as a taxi driver for 25 years and this is the first time that anything like this has happened to me.

"It was really scary and the fact that I was trying to help someone who seemed to be in distress makes me feel even worse.

"I don’t think I would ever stop again if I was in the same situation."

He is now recovering at home and does not expect to return to work for at least a fortnight.

His car was dumped in Queens Drive, Kirkholt and recovered by police shortly after the incident.

Mr Holman’s £140 takings had been stolen.

The offenders are described as white and aged in their late 20s or early 30s.

Anyone with information should contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8664 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.