May 4, 2007
Bogus taxi driver attacks woman
BEN KENDALL
A man posing as taxi driver attempted to abduct a woman before subjecting her to a vicious attack outside Norwich railway station early yesterday morning.
The incident happened at 3.25am and British Transport Police officers spent the day studying security camera footage of the car involved in the attack. They urged witnesses to come forward and warned women to be on their guard late at night.
Sarah Mirow, from Norwich, had been celebrating her hen-night before flying to Antigua tomorrow where she will get married. She was waiting with her niece for a lift at the time of the attack. Although she escaped without serious injury, she said she was concerned her attacker may strike again.
She said: "I can only begin to imagine why he wanted to abduct us but the way he turned nasty shows he could be dangerous."
The two women were on the station's forecourt when a man pulled up in a silver P-registration Mercedes and tried to start a conversation before offering them a lift saying he was a "free taxi".
They refused and he became abusive ordering the women to get into the car. Miss Mirow asked him to leave and he attempted to grab her and pull her into the car.
Sgt Andy Cook said: "She managed to get away from him and he then drove off in the wrong direction around the forecourt.
"He drove back towards the woman and tried to run her over. He then leant out of the window and punched her in the face."
Miss Mirow said the man was initially very charming but his mood soon changed. She added: "I'm worried that he is still out there and some other woman might fall for his trick.
"Although I never had any intention of getting into the car, it is easy to see how a younger woman out late at night who had perhaps drank a lot of alcohol may be tempted.
"He was nice to begin with, so it is possible somebody will agree to get in the car with him. But the way he got angry and attacked me shows what he's capable of."
Mr Cook described the attack as "particularly nasty" and said the woman was left shocked. "We feel this was a genuine attempt to abduct the woman by dragging her into his car," he said.
"This individual is clearly dangerous and it is important that we track him down as quickly as possible."
The attacker was white and possibly Eastern European with an accent. He was of slim build, in his late twenties with dark short wavy hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt.
Officers have not yet identified the model of his car but say it was a large vehicle with a boot and sunroof.
Contact Sgt Cook on 01603 623402.
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