Clubber raped by 'minicab driver'

Police hunting a man acting as a minicab driver who raped a 21-year-old woman after she left a London nightclub warned today: "It is vital we catch him as quickly as possible".

Detectives believe there could be serial rapists among illegal cabbies who have no licence - sometimes not even a driving licence - and tout for trade outside pubs and clubs.

The blonde victim was waiting to get a cab home when she was picked up by a dark-coloured saloon after a night out with friends at the Eros club in Enfield, early yesterday.

The rapist had been waiting outside the club and drove her about a mile and a half to an isolated spot close to the Montagu industrial estate, Edmonton, where the attack took place inside the vehicle. The victim fled and immediately called police following the assault at 1.30am.

The attack came less than two days after the Evening Standard warned how illegal drivers are preying on young women. They were responsible for more than 150 recorded rapes and sexual assaults this year compared to only 66 four years ago. But Scotland Yard officers believe the true figure could be "well over" 1,000 because such attacks are " seriously under reported".

Detective Sergeant Ellie O'Connor, of Edmonton CID, said today: "Sunday's victim is, of course, traumatised but physically uninjured. She managed to break free and ran to a nearby house to call for help. I appeal to anyone who saw a vehicle like this in the early hours of Sunday or who may have seen the woman running for help to contact us immediately. It is absolutely vital we catch this man as quickly as possible."

Detectives fear that serial rapists acting as cabbies target vulnerable women who may have drunk too much and who cannot find, or cannot afford, a licensed cab.

The man in the Enfield assault, which is not being linked to other attacks at present, is described as white, six foot, with short, dark swept-back hair. He wore a black jacket and dark clothing and spoke with a London accent. Anyone with information should call police on 020 8345 4522 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.