Woman’s sex attack terror after Nelson ‘taxi’ mistake: police warning

The incident happened around 3 a.m. when the woman was walking to get a takeaway close to the junction of Sagar Street and Broadway. She had enjoyed a night out, and got into a silver car believing it to be a taxi.

The driver, who is described as a chubby Asian heritage man, aged in his early 20s, has driven her to the vicinity of Edge End Lane where he stopped the car and sexually assaulted her.

The woman has managed to escape and ran to a nearby address where the police were called.

Detective Inspector Jeremy Holland from Pendle CID said: “This is a serious offence which has understandably left the victim distraught.

“I’d appeal to anybody with information about this incident or anyone that perhaps witnessed a silver car driving in and around the area acting suspiciously to contact police.

“I’d like to reassure people that an investigation is under way but also urge people to be vigilant and to encourage them to ensure they always travel home with a friend and keep a local taxi number in their phone.”

Anyone with any information should call Lancashire Police on 101.

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.