Police have today urged taxi users to be on their guard after a teenager was seriously sexually assaulted.

The 16-year-old girl was subjected to the attack in what she thought was a taxi on Tunnard Street, Grimsby, on Tuesday.

She has been left "extremely shaken" after the incident, which police have stressed is an isolated attack.

The girl was waiting for a pre-booked taxi outside Albion House at about 10pm when a silver car pulled up and the lone male driver hooted the horn.

The girl got into the vehicle believing it was her taxi and was taken to the blocked end of Tunnard Street where she was allegedly sexually assaulted.

She suffered minor injuries.

The attacker is described as a man, who may be from Pakistan, with short dark hair.

He was wearing spectacles and is described as "chubby", in his 30s, with blotchy and patchy facial skin.

Det Insp Andy Maultby said: "We would urge anybody who was in the area at the time, or who may have seen the male or the vehicle matching the description, to get in touch with us, and we will treat it in the strictest confidence.

"This is an isolated incident and people shouldn't panic.

"The girl is extremely shaken and distressed and our investigations are continuing."

Hackney carriage vehicles, which can be hailed in the street or approached on a taxi rank, should have a roof sign saying taxi and a white plate on the back of the vehicle which says the registration number.

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: "All private hire vehicles must be booked through the company operator in advance.

"Before you get in, check it is from the firm you booked with.

"Taxi and private hire drivers are all issued with identification badges, which they should wear all the time."

Det Insp Maultby added: "If you do pre-book a taxi with a company, make sure they have your details and check they have a taxi plate."

Can you help?

Anyone with information is asked to contact Humberside Police on 0845 6060222, quoting log 876 of June 4.

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