E-fit issued of bogus taxi driver who tried to rape woman

The E-fit of a bogus taxi driver who tried to rape a woman in Rochdale.

Police have released an E-fit of a bogus taxi driver who tried to rape a woman in Rochdale.

The woman, 52, was on Kiln Lane sometime between 1am and 2.30am on Saturday 19 February 2011, and was trying to flag down a taxi when a blue or black large four door vehicle pulled up.

The driver told the woman he was a taxi driver and she got in.

He then drove her to an area thought to be Whitworth Street, near to Milnrow train station, and tried to rape her.

The driver is described as white, of chubby build, in his late 50s or early 60s, of average height with a round chubby face. Police have now released an E-fit of the offender and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Michael Berger, of Rochdale CID, said: "The woman was trying to get home and got into what she believed was a taxi only to be driven to a secluded area and subjected to an appalling sexual assault.

"I want to hear from anyone who was in or around the Whitworth Street area in the early hours of Saturday morning to contact me.

"I am also appealing to anyone whose husband, partner or father may have been out in a car as described by the victim at the time of the attack and who perhaps returned home acting differently.

"Incidents such as this are rare and we are doing all we can to identify the offender. I want to stress that we do not believe this man is a taxi driver and I would remind women about the potential dangers of getting into strange cars. If you need a taxi please take a black cab or one that has been pre-ordered."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.