Woman sexually assaulted by bogus cab driverAyoung woman was sexually assaulted by a bogus taxi driver in the early hours of Christmas Eve.
The 30-year-old victim had been out with a friend in the Embassy club in Bedford on December 23, but they had become separated and the woman did not have her handbag, phone and money.
Two men, believed to have also been in the Embassy club, gave her a lift to the station in their silver coloured car – possibly a Vauxhall Astra or Corsa – and also said they had called her a taxi to get her home to Rushden. They then left to go home themselves.
Shortly afterwards a dark coloured BMW 4x4 drew up next to her and she asked if he was the taxi she was expecting. When he said he was, the woman got in and they set off north up the A6.
He was not a taxi driver at all, but in fact an opportunist who had seen a chance to take advantage of her.
He stopped in the layby on the side of the A6 at Souldrop, offered to waive her fare in return for sex and when she refused, he trapped her in the car and physically and sexually assaulted her. She was left with bruises and had some of her hair pulled out.
Eventually the woman was able to persuade him to leave her alone and drop her off at her home, where her friend was waiting for her.
The man is described as Asian, slim to medium build, about 5ft 4ins tall and aged around 34-36 years old with a goatee beard and moustache. He was wearing jeans and a black jacket with blue lines on it.
This assault is being investigated by the Rape Investigation Unit and the team would like to hear from anyone with information about this incident.
Detective Constable Gemma Ebberson of the RIU said:“We would like to hear from the two young men in the silver car who helped the woman by taking her to the station and calling the cab – it might be they have unwittingly seen something that could help us find out who assaulted this woman.
“Also, we’d like to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle, knows who owns it, or perhaps had been approached by the driver offering lifts home on what was obviously a very busy night of the festive season.
“While the Christmas holiday rush is over for another year, this is also an appropriate time to remind everyone about making doubly sure that you are using genuine taxis to get home. During busy periods the Bedford taxi ranks are marshalled by officials, or call a taxi by phone using a firm that you know and trust.
“Always check both vehicle and driver are identifiable and properly licensed. If you have any doubts, don’t get into the vehicle.”
If you have information about this incident, contact either Det Con Ebberson or Det Sgt Sandra Johnson direct on 01582 473437, or call anytime via the switchboard on 101, or text police on 07786 200011.
http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News ... 012012.htm
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