An unlicenced taxi driver is being blamed for sexually assaulting a woman after picking her up in the early hours of the morning.

The woman, in her 20s, was walking along the High Street, Banbury at about 2.40am on Saturday, October 24, when a car pulled-up alongside her.

The driver claimed to be a taxi driver and offered her a lift which she accepted.

During the journey, the driver started making inappropriate conversation with the woman and then touched her leg.

She made the driver stop the car and jumped out the car, ran away and called the police.

The car was described as a dark grey or silver coloured Audi estate car, with roof bars.

The driver was a white Eastern European man, with short blonde hair.

Pc Gary Hoy said: “I would be keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this car in the Banbury area on the night the incident took place, or anyone who may been approached by a man matching this description offering them a lift.

“It appears that this was an unlicensed taxi and once again highlights the importance of using legitimate firms and taking taxis from established taxi ranks.

“All taxi drivers operating in Banbury have to undergo rigorous checks and procedures before they get behind the wheel, something that those who drive unlicensed taxis do not have to do.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.