A WOMAN in her 20s was sexually assaulted after getting in a taxi to Abingdon in the early hours of Sunday morning, police say.

Police have issued an appeal saying the victim had taken a taxi from Park End Street in Oxford city centre at around 1.30am, before falling asleep as she was driven to Abingdon.

However, she awoke to find the driver undoing her trousers before she was sexually assaulted.

The woman got out of the taxi near West St Helen Street, Abingdon but was followed by the driver.

She then approached a member of the public who assisted her and the driver walked off.

The driver is described as an Asian male with short black hair and stubble.

Police are appealing for information to the assault.

Officers have not yet said if they believe the car to be a genuine licensed taxi or one working illegally. 

They have also not disclosed what company the taxi, if any, belongs to, and where it is licensed. 

Investigating officer detective constable Paul Geddert, of Abingdon police station, said: “We are appealing for witnesses to this incident of sexual assault.

“We would also like to appeal to the man who assisted the victim to contact us, as he may be able to help us with our investigation.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting crime reference number 43180313772.

Reports can also be made online HERE or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.