Appeal To Taxi Drivers After Sex Attack

Detectives in Bournemouth are appealing for taxi drivers to come forward after a woman was seriously sexually assaulted.

The 18-year-old victim has reported that during the early hours of Saturday, 27 February 2010, a man took her in a taxi to his home in the Springbourne area of Bournemouth where she was allegedly subjected to a serious sexual assault.

Detective Constable Martha Brehmer, of Bournemouth & Poole CID, said: “I believe that the victim got into a number of taxis in Bournemouth earlier that night, and it’s crucial that I trace all the taxi drivers who came into contact with her.”

The victim is of Asian appearance, eighteen years old, five feet three inches tall, of medium build with shoulder length dark wavy hair dyed a reddish colour.

She was wearing a black top with sleeves to her elbows and a black knee length layered skirt.

Detective Constable Brehmer continued: “I believe that the victim and a female friend first got into a taxi outside the V-Bar in Exeter Road at about 12.30am on Saturday, 27 February 2010. They were asked to leave his cab near the Mary Shelley bar in St Peter’s Road.

“I’m told that they got into two further taxis near the Mary Shelley, with the second one taking the two women to the top of Richmond Hill, where the driver asked them to leave the cab I believe.

“The victim then got into a further taxi with a man at the taxi rank opposite the J.D Wetherspoon’s Moon in the Square pub on Exeter Road which took them to the Springbourne area.

“I’d urge all of these taxi drivers who had any dealings with this young girl of Asian appearance early on Saturday morning, 27 February 2010 to please contact the police as soon as possible as they may well have information that is vital to my investigation.”

A 21-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested in connection with the allegation and he has since been released on police bail without charge while police enquiries continue.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.