A ROBBER held an elderly man at knifepoint and ordered him to drive home to collect some cash - before handing over his weapon to the victim's wife.

The attacker was then driven back by the couple to a health centre, where he had leapt into the pensioner's car, before making his getaway.

Police have dubbed the robbery "unusual" and are appealing for anyone who may have seen the attacker - who was wearing distinctive painter's white overalls - to come forward.

The strange drama unfolded in the car park at Belmont Health Centre, in Hereford, at lunchtime on Tuesday.

"The offender jumped into the back seat of the elderly man's vehicle and, holding a craft-type knife, gave him instructions to drive out of the car park," said police spokeswoman Georgie Bates.

Following instructions, his victim drove the white Volvo estate to the city's Belmont golf course, where the robber, described as having "very thick lips" and black shoulder-length hair, moved into the driving seat and the man gave him directions to his home.

The robber ordered his victim to go in and bring out some money.

"This he did, as well as informing his wife about the situation," said Ms Bates. "The three engaged in conversation, that culminated in the offender handing over the knife to the woman."

After giving up a small amount of cash, the elderly man then drove the attacker back to the Belmont Centre, with his wife sitting in the back of the car.

The robber was last seen running down the side of the Belmont Pharmacy towards the housing estate.

He is said to be white, aged 24, and around 6ft tall, of lanky, slight build with shoulder-length hair worn loose.

He had dark brown eyes, was unshaven with a long face, very thick lips and an olive complexion.

He was wearing white overalls splattered in paint, a grey jacket and a baseball cap with a motif on the front. He had been seen hanging around the Belmont Health Centre by several other people that morning.

Anyone with information is asked contact DC Andy Duckworth, of Hereford Police, on 01432 276422 ,or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.