A MAN has been charged in connection with three attempted carjacking incidents.

The three separate attempted carjacking incidents occurred after the victims met a man on the online dating app Grindr. One of the victims was stabbed several times. 

The attacks have been described as a case of catfishing — where a person lies about their identity online.

David Aroge, 21 of Holden Drive, Swinton has been charged with three counts of robbery, three counts of possession of a bladed article and one count of section 18 assault.

The first victim, aged in his 50s, was threatened at home in Irlam o’ th’ Height on Monday evening by a man with a knife who demanded his car keys. When he couldn’t get the car started he fled the scene.

An hour later in Prestwich, a man in his 40s had a knife held to his throat by a man in Bury Old Road who demanded car keys. The victim received cuts to his throat, back and forearm and was taken to hospital. He is now recovering at home.

A third man, aged in his 20s, was attacked on Tuesday by a man who was a passenger in his car in Bolton Road, Pendlebury as they were parked on the roadside. He demanded the car keys before stabbing the man several times.

The attacker then fled the scene on foot.

Aroge has been remanded in to custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court tomorrow, Friday 29 March 2019.

On Wednesday, Chief Inspector Amanda Delamore, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “Our thoughts remain with the three victims who have all been left incredibly shaken by their ordeals and officers will continue to provide them with support at this distressing time.

“Our investigation does not stop here and I would continue to urge anyone with any information that could assist us to please get in touch with police.”