A BUSINESSMAN prayed for his life after being locked in the boot of his car by a knifeman.

The 50-year-old office worker was bundled into the boot of his own BMW after the knifeman threatened to cut his throat.

He was forced to hand over his wallet and his bank card number before being driven -- in the boot -- through Bolton. The car was then abandoned.

The businessman emerged unhurt from his ordeal but today confessed: "I prayed a lot. I was pretty scared.

"I was terrified that he was going to drive the car into a canal or river leaving me trapped in the boot."

The man, who owns a business in Chorley New Road, Bolton, was attacked minutes after leaving his office shortly before 8pm on Monday to drive home.

Detectives say the knifeman stopped at a Bolton bank and withdrew £300 in cash before driving to Farnworth.

The businessman said that the attacker opened the boot but warned him to remain inside for three minutes after stopping in Frederick Street, Farnworth.

The man then fled and he climbed out of the boot and raised the alarm.

Today, as police hunted the thief, his relieved victim said: "He was perfectly calm and assured about everything he did. He never swore although he was forceful and I have no doubt he would have injured me if I had attempted to fight back."

The businessman who set up his firm only two months ago after 13 years in Liverpool said the incident -- and attacks on cars near his business in Chorley New Road -- has left him wary about continuing in business in Bolton.

He now intends to write to council leader Cllr Bob Howarth and local police chiefs calling for extra police patrols in the area.

"I am now fearful for my staff leaving the office at night and for my customers visiting my premises," he said. "It is a sad sign of the times that people cannot work late at nights any more in fear of being targeted in this way."

The man police are hunting wore dark clothing and is thought to be about 5ft 10ins tall.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bolton CID tel: 0161 856 5640 or Crimestoppers on the free phone number 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in confidence.