MAIDSTONE

Police are hunting a taxi driver who reportedly groped a lone woman in his cab.

Officers have released an e-fit of the suspect following the alleged sexual assault.

The incident is reported to have happened after a woman got into a taxi in the Gabriel’s Hill area of Maidstone, following a night out.

The victim, aged in her 20s, had been with friends when they all got into the vehicle at around 2am.

After a drop off in the Rochester area, the woman was the last passenger in the vehicle.

It is alleged the driver pulled over and told the victim that unless she got into the front to talk, he wouldn’t move the vehicle. The man eventually started driving after the woman reluctantly agreed to move seats.

During the journey he was said to have then grabbed the victim’s hand and also stroked her leg.

The woman later fled the vehicle after requesting the driver stop at a bus stop in Star Hill, Rochester. 

The incident is said to have happened in the early hours of Sunday, August 28, but details have only just been released.

Officers are continuing attempts to track down the vehicle, including looking at CCTV.

The man was described as being average height and of Middle Eastern appearance, with black hair and a black short beard. He was wearing a light-coloured jacket or shirt. The make of the vehicle is unclear but it was described as a burgundy colour.

Anyone with information is asked to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/19153/16, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111. 

https://goo.gl/5Wcul4

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Appeal to trace taxi driver after man found with injuries in Redcar

Police are looking to trace a taxi driver after a 66-year-old man was found with injuries to his face at the junction of Normanby Road and Trunk Road on Friday (23rd Sept).

He was discovered at 6.10am on Friday 23rd September, and officers think he might have travelled towards the area by taxi.

The man who was injured continues to receive treatment at James Cook University Hospital.

It's not clear how he got his injuries.

A man and woman from the South Bank area have been arrested in connection with the incident.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and theft and a 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of theft.

Both have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/update/2016-09-28/appeal-to-trace-taxi-driver-after-man-found-with-injuries-in-redcar/?

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DERBYSHIRE

Parents of children who attend John Port School in Etwall, have been given a letter of caution after a taxi driver stopped two of its pupils in the street. Derbyshire police have confirmed they are investigating an incident after reports that the driver pulled up next to the pupils and offered them a personal business card.

The letter from the school says: "We have recently had contact from the police to inform us that a taxi driver stopped and spoke to two John Port students whilst on their way to school, offering them a personal business card.

"With regard to this issue, we are working with the police to safeguard all of our students and, if your child experiences anything similar, please contact the school as soon as possible."

A spokesman for Derbyshire police said: "From what we have been told by the school, the incident has only happened once and officers are investigating."

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/john-port-school-issues-letter-of-warning-after-incident/story-29756097-detail/story.html?