A WOMAN was sexually assautled after she got into a car she thought was a taxi.

The 21-year-old was heading home after a night out with friends last Friday night.

Chief Inspector Annabel Berry said: “We are extremely keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this woman in the early hours of Saturday or anyone who has information which could help this investigation.

“We have a team of detectives working on this case and neighbourhood officers are also supporting the investigation.

“This is an isolated incident and I would like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to find the man responsible.

“We have been carrying out extensive enquiries locally since the weekend and are now appealing for the public’s help.”

The 21-year-old woman had been out with friends in Aldershot. She left The Funky End pub shortly after 2am and was then talking on her phone whilst standing on a traffic island in Station Road. She was there for about 30 minutes.

At about 2.30am, the woman then got into a dark-coloured car which she believed was a taxi. She was then driven away from Station Road.

The woman was then seriously sexually assaulted by an unknown man.

She was later seen on foot at Aldershot Train Station at about 3.30am.

Extra patrols will be carried out in the town centre over this weekend and anyone with any concerns should speak to an officer or call 101 and ask to speak to Aldershot Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

Members of the public are also reminded to consider their personal safety and stay with friends on a night out.

Chief Insp Berry added: “Make sure you look after your friends and use licensed taxis when you need to travel home.

“If you are concerned about cars offering taxi services which may be unlicensed, then please contact us on 101.”

If you have any information which could help this investigation, please call Aldershot CID on 101, quoting Operation Lysander, or the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.