Police hunt taxi driver after rape attempt

A taxi driver tried to rape a customer who was on her way home from a night out in Manchester.

The 27-year-old victim, along with her friend, flagged the car down in the city centre and headed back to Rochdale in the early hours of Saturday 8 February.

It is believed the taxi dropped the friend outside the Church Inn, Rochdale Road, Castleton, leaving the victim to travel to the Middleton area where the attempted rape happened.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the incident to come forward.

The taxi is described as a white or silver mini bus-type vehicle with a sliding door. The driver is described as an Asian man, aged 30 to mid 30s, of average height and build.

It is not known at this stage whether it was a licensed taxi but it was not pre-booked.

Detective Inspector Stephen Earnshaw from Rochdale CID said: "It was a terrifying experience for the victim, and it is vital we catch this man.

"I would appeal to any witnesses who saw the women being collected from Peter Street near to the Chicago Rock Cafe or being dropped off in the Middleton or Castleton areas to come forward immediately.

"It is also important that women who are planning a night out book taxis in advance with a reputable company and, where possible, do not go home on your own."

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.