Woman, 50, in taxi rape ordeal

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 50-year-old woman was raped in a taxi in Royton.

Detectives have arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of rape and he has been bailed pending further police inquiries.

The incident happened inside a large 59 plate silver Ford Transit taxi on the evening of Sunday, May 17, on Oozewood Road, near to the junction of Oldham Road. The taxi, parked opposite Thornham Paint & Wallpaper Supplies, had distinctive orange/yellow markings on it, including a square marking on the bonnet of the vehicle.

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 9 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 that 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 so it is likely that people would have seen it.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.