Woman fights off 'taxi' attacker in Peterborough
30 December 2010
A 31-year-old woman on a night out in Peterborough fought off an attack after accepting a lift from a man she believed to be a taxi driver.
She had been drinking with friends before trying to get home at about 0400 GMT on Christmas Day.
A dark grey car, possibly a Vauxhall Vectra, stopped as she walked along Park Road, police said.
The driver took her to Uldale Way in Gunthorpe and returned a short while later and tried to force his way in.
She managed to fight him off and he fled, police said.
The offender is described as 6ft (1.8m) of medium build, with short blond hair.
Det Sgt Adam Fraser said: "This was a terrifying incident for the victim who showed great bravery to fight off the attacker."
"I would appeal to anyone who saw the vehicle in Park Road or the man running off along Uldale Way following the attack."
"The offender may have sustained facial injuries during the incident and I would like to speak to anyone who has a friend or relative with unexplained marks on their face from around that time."
"I would also urge people to ensure they use licensed taxi companies and book in advance where possible."
Source; http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ca ... e-12093951
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Reveller had to fight off ‘cabbie’ attacker
Thursday 30th December 2010
A Christmas reveller had a lucky escape, bravely fending off an attack, after accepting a lift from a man she thought was a taxi driver.
The 31-year-old woman had been drinking at various pubs in Peterborough city centre with friends before trying to get home to Gunthorpe at around 4am on Christmas Day.
As she was walking along Park Road a charcoal grey car, possibly a Vauxhall Vectra, pulled up and the driver offered the woman a lift to her house in Uldale Way.
Thinking he was a taxi driver, she accepted the ride and was dropped off at her house. But the driver returned to her door minutes later and attempted to force his way into the house.
The victim managed to fight off the attacker, possibly dealing him an injury to his face in the process, which police hope can help them locate the culprit.
The attacker, who is also described as being white, six-foot tall, of medium build and with short blonde hair, fled the area.
Detective sergeant Adam Fraser, investigating, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim, who showed great bravery to fight off the attacker.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw the vehicle in Park Road or the man running off along Uldale Way following the attack.
“The offender may have sustained facial injuries during the incident and I would like to speak to anyone who has a friend or relative with unexplained marks on their face from around that time.”
DS Fraser issued a warning to people urging them to use licensed taxi companies and to book them if possible.
This warning was echoed by Debbie Sampson, community safety and licensing team leader for SaferPeterborough Partnership, who said before getting into a cab, New Year’s Eve revellers should check they are correctly licensed and that the driver has identification.
She added: “Staying together in groups and limiting alcohol intake will help to ensure a night to remember for all the right reasons.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0345 4564564 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source; http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news ... _1_2216392