A POLICE dog helped catch a man after a taxi driver was threatened with a "large" knife in Birkenhead.

At around 7.30pm on Monday (December 11) it was reported that a man had threatened a member of the public with a knife at the junction of Dock Road and Tower Road, Birkenhead and then walked off.

Officers attended and conducted a search of the area where Police Dog Yoko apprehended a man on Oakdale Road in Seacombe.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, criminal damage and possession of a knife blade in public place.

CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out, and officers are appealing for anyone with information or witnessed the incident to come forward.

Working with the CPS, Merseyside Police has secured 50 SVROs against high-risk knife crime offenders.

As one of four pilot forces to trial this new court order, we are taking a proactive approach to reduce knife crime and keep communities safe.

The force’s recent investment of 140 handheld metal detecting wands will be used to support stop and search powers and take weapons off the streets of Merseyside.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police: "If you have any information on this incident please contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information, with reference 23001257745.

"Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency."