A YOUNG woman has allegedly been raped in the back of a taxi by the driver.

Police say the incident took place in Motherwell on Thursday, October 18, at around 8.30pm.

Two women and two men were dropped off in Glen Court by a silver Chevrolet Cruze private hire taxi.

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One of the women, aged 23, decided to get back into the taxi and asked the driver to take her home.

The driver is then reported to have refused and subjected the woman to a serious sexual assault in the back of the car.

The woman then got out of the taxi and spoke to a passerby who helped her get a taxi to Motherwell Police Station where she reported the incident.

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A 42-year-old man was later arrested and has been released pending further enquiries.

Police are now looking to the public for information.

Detective Inspector Aileen Boyle, from the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit, said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened, and it’s absolutely vital anyone who can assist with our investigation comes forward.

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“We understand there may have been other members of the public in Glen Court around the time of the incident and we’re appealing to anyone who noticed a taxi or a woman in distress to please get in touch.

“You may think your information is not significant, but let us be the judge of that, because it could be important to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit based at Motherwell via 101, quoting incident number 3872 of Thursday, October 18.

Alternatively, can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.