A man has been arrested following a string of reported robberies and thefts across Stoke-on-Trent where a man was stabbed in the arm. 

Staffordshire Police was first called to Elmsmere Road in Abbey Hulton at 3.15pm yesterday (Thursday 23 October). 

A man got into a taxi and reportedly pulled a knife on the driver - prompting the victim to get out - before he drove off in the taxi. 

Around ten minutes later, Staffordshire Police received a report of a robbery at a nearby petrol station on Ruxley Road, Bucknall. 

A staff member in the store was stabbed in the arm during the incident, the victim suffered a minor injury and was taken to hospital. 

The man left the scene, where vapes and cigarettes were reportedly taken, after getting back into the taxi. 

Shortly before 3.35pm, police responded to a theft at TK Maxx on Foundry Street, Hanley. A man was arrested and a knife was found on him following a search. 

An officer was apparently spat at during the incident. 

The stolen taxi was found and has been seized for forensic examination. 

A 31-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been arrested on suspicion of robbery, theft of motor vehicle, possession of a knife in a public place and assault by beating of an emergency worker. He will be questioned in custody. 

Staffordshire Police has asked anyone with any information that can help with the investigation to get in touch by calling 101 or using Live Chat on their website, quoting incident 445 of 23 October. 

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.