POLICE ARE investigating and appealing for witnesses after a 50-year-old woman was raped in a taxi in Oldham.
During the evening of Sunday 17 May 2015, the woman was raped in the vehicle on Oozewood Road, Royton, near to the junction of Oldham Road. The taxi parked opposite Thornham Paint and Wallpaper Supplies.
Detectives have arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of rape and he has been bailed pending further police enquiries.
The incident occurred inside a large 59 plate, silver coloured Ford Transit taxi which had distinctive orange/yellow markings including a square marking on the bonnet.
Detective Chief Inspector Jane Little said: “The victim is understandably devastated by what happened and we have specialist officers helping her through the ordeal.
“Although we have made an arrest we would like to speak to people who were on Oozewood Road between 9pm and 11pm at the time of the attack.
“In particular, we would like to speak to anyone who remembers seeing the taxi, the occupants or anything that appeared out of the ordinary.
“I would like to reassure local residents and the wider community that we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to people using taxis in the Royton or Oldham area in connection with this particular incident.
“We believe a woman may have walked past the taxi at the time of the incident and might have seen a male and female inside the taxi.
“I would make a direct appeal to her or anyone else who may have been in the area to please call us as soon as possible.
“The taxi was parked near houses and on a main route onto a residential estate so it is likely that people would have seen the taxi.
“If you did see anything, no matter how insignificant you think that might be, then please call us.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 101 and quote incident number 759 of the 18 May 2015.
Alternatively, you can ring the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
