'Vampire-Style Gunman Bites NY Cabbie'

Police in New York have appealed for the public's help in tracking down a man who allegedly bit a taxi driver several times during an attempted robbery.

Officers search for passenger who allegedly bit taxi driver

The suspect brandished a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money from the driver, officers have said.

But then there was a struggle and the gunman bit the cabbie about five times on the neck, arm and back, police added.

The suspect had got into the taxi in Manhattan around 3am on March 13 and then asked to be taken to a location in the Bronx.

Police said when the car arrived at the destination, the suspect pulled out the gun and demanded the cabbie's money.

After apparently biting his victim, the man then fled in an unknown direction without the cash.

The suspect is described as 6ft, Hispanic and in his 30s. He was wearing a black leather jacket.