Minicab rape warning

Illegal minicab drivers rape at least three women every month in London.

Mayor Ken Livingstone's official figures show about 36 rapes and 120 sex attacks were carried out last year by illegal drivers.

Scotland Yard considers them one of the biggest dangers to women's safety.

The Mayor announced the figures as he launched a campaign to alert women to the danger of unlicensed cabs in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.

Steve Wright, chairman of the Licensed Private Hire Car Association, said: "People who use illegal touts risk being robbed, raped or even murdered."