UPDATE: Duo accused of ‘predatory’ sex attack outside Swindon nightclub
A woman has been ‘raped by a man posing as a taxi driver’ in Swindon’s Old Town.
Police officers patrolling on foot were flagged down by members of the public in Hoopers Place at around 1.30am this morning (Sunday).
They raised concerns about the safety of a woman – who reported being attacked by a man who encouraged her to get into his vehicle by suggesting he was a taxi driver.
A man, aged in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and indecent exposure. He is being held in police custody.
DCI Nick Mawson said: “This is an extremely concerning incident involving a man who also encouraged the woman to get in his car, suggesting he could be a taxi driver.
“Creating safer spaces and reducing violence are priorities of Wiltshire Police as direct by Chief Constable Roper and we will continue to carry out patrols looking to identify anybody who is showing signs of potential perpetrator behaviour and intervening before they might go on to commit a serious sexual offence.
“It’s really important for us that people do feel safe and are able to enjoy going out without fear of what might happen at the end of the night.
“We will continue to have officers on regular foot patrol in this and others areas of the town to prevent offending of this nature.”
“I’d also like to urge members of the public to call or alert us, like they did in this incident, if they see any unwanted contact and behaviour. We would like to thank those people who stopped to help the victim this morning.”
If you saw anything suspicious last night, please contact police on 101 quoting reference number 54230092765.
