A 19-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man posing as a minicab driver following a night out in Croydon on Saturday.

The man agreed to take his victim home but instead drove to Cooper Road and allegedly sexually assaulted her, before slapping her in the face and driving off when she got out.

He is described as Asian, in his mid-twenties and shaven-headed. He was driving what is believed to be a silver car.

PC Rob Fletcher from Croydon CID said: “The woman got into the car at around 1.15am on Sunday morning, so there is a chance that other people out at that time may have seen something and we'd urge them to contact us.

“We would advise members of the public to be careful when getting a minicab, especially after a night out.

“If you're getting a minicab, make sure it is one you have booked with that company.

“If in doubt, call their office when the driver arrives to be certain it is the car you've booked and where possible, try and travel with friends as well.”

Anyone with information about the attack can call Croydon CID on 020 8649 0258, or crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.