A WOMAN who was walking home from V Festival was sexually assaulted after getting inside a car she believed to be a taxi.

The woman in her 20s was approached by a man driving a dark Mondeo as she walked along Greenbury Way between 9.30pm and 10.30pm yesterday.

She got in the vehicle, which she believed was a taxi, after being offered a lift home. The man then drove a short distance before sexually assaulting her.

The victim managed to get out of the car before running away to raise the alarm.

Detective Sergeant Danny Cooper of the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: "Enquiries are ongoing and specially trained officers are providing support to the victim.

"I would advise people to be vigilant when travelling alone and to ensure they only use taxis from companies they have contacted themselves or they have found at authorised taxi ranks.

"Any authorised taxi service will display a plate on the rear of the vehicle and a licence containing a photograph of the driver inside the vehicle. If either of these are not on display then play it safe and don't get in.”

Anyone with information can contact Det Sgt Danny Cooper on 101. Alternatively they can give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.