Police arrest man for sexual assault following reports of suspicious vehicle acting as ‘taxi’

Rotherham detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses and information about a suspicious vehicle acting as a taxi in the town centre, as part of an ongoing investigation into a reported sexual assault.

At around 2am Thursday 27 December 2022, it is reported a woman got into a vehicle she believed to be a taxi in the town centre.

On her journey home, it is reported the driver of the vehicle sexually assaulted her.

As part of their ongoing enquiries, detectives are exploring the possibility two other women got into what is believed to be the same vehicle, a blue Renault Clio, at 1.40am the same morning while it was parked on Westgate. They are keen to identify and speak to these women.

They also want to hear from anyone who may have seen a blue Renault Clio or any suspicious vehicles purporting to be taxis, or parking in areas frequented by taxis, in the town centre that evening or on other occasions.

A 37-year-old man from Rotherham has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and is currently on bail pending further enquiries.

Police officers are urging further women to come forward and get in touch with more information. You can do this via live chat, online portal or by calling 101 quoting incident number 161 of 27 December 2022.