Image of Leeds ‘cab’ rape suspect released

The 20-year-old victim got into the dark-coloured saloon, which police say had the appearance of being a genuine private hire vehicle, in Duncan Street in the early hours of Sunday.

She asked the driver to take her to her Baildon home and fell asleep during the journey.

But when the woman awoke she found the driver had parked up in a remote lane on a dirt track, thought to be within about five miles of Menston, where he subjected her to a horrific ordeal in the back of the car.

After the attack, he dropped the woman off near her home.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Wood, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “This was an attack on a young lady who believed she was being transported safely home after a night out. Instead she was put through a frightening experience.”

Police have released an efit image of a man they want to trace in connection with the attack.

DCI Wood appealed to anyone who recognises the man to contact police immediately.

He added: “This may have been a genuine private hire vehicle that had been loaned out unofficially or it could have been a genuine cab driver.

“The car had the appearance of being a genuine private hire vehicle. It could be a genuine driver but not necessarily. The car could have been lent to a third party or be an ex-private hire vehicle.

“I would appeal to private hire vehicle drivers to look at the efit and ask if it resembles anyone you have lent your car to or someone you know.

“We will be able to forensically eliminate anyone who is put forward as a suspect.”

The driver was described as black, aged in his late twenties and slim, but with chubby cheeks. He spoke little English and was wearing a black shirt. Anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.