Police hunt bogus taxi driver following New Year's Day rape, CCTV issued: Muswell Hill, N10
(N10 - Monday, 1 August, 2011)

Police are releasing images of a man and a car they wish to trace in connection with a rape in Muswell Hill on New Years Day.

The CCTV stills show the man and a Fiat Stilo car which was seen to be driving along Fortis Green Road and into Muswell Hill Broadway prior to the incident.

It parked on the Broadway close to Barclays Bank for several minutes before driving into Colney Hatch Lane.

The victim, a woman in her 40s, had been out for New Years Eve celebrations and got into a car on Muswell Hill Broadway between 02:00hrs and 03:00hrs believing it to be a mini cab.

The male driver locked the car doors and it is believed drove to Sydney Road before raping her and forcing her back out of the car.

The victim was able to make her way home and alert police.

The assault is being investigated by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Sapphire Unit.

Detective Constable Alistair Woods, of the Sapphire Unit, said:

"This was a frightening assault on a vulnerable victim and although the images are not clear, the two pictures together may enable someone to identify who the man is and give us a name.

"I would urge anyone with information to contact the police and can guarantee they will be spoken to in confidence."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8733 5062.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

NOTE: there have been no arrests.

Police Force: Metropolitan (London)

Address:
Fortis Green Road
Muswell Hill
North London
N10