WA cabbie held at knifepoint, man charged

A Perth man accused of threatening a taxi driver at knifepoint before attempting to flee from police on foot has been charged with deprivation of liberty.

It's alleged the 30-year-old forced the cabbie to take him from the city centre to the northern suburb of Balga shortly after midnight on Monday morning.

On the way, the driver noticed a police car stopped at an intersection, pulled alongside it and told officers his passenger had a knife.

Police say the man fled and was taken into custody after officers found him hiding in a hole.

Refused bail, the Ballajura man was expected to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court later on Monday charged with several offences including deprivation of liberty.