REVELLERS were today warned to be on guard after a woman was raped by three men in Ipswich.As detectives continued to investigate the attack on the 22-year-old, authorities were urging people to take care when on a night out in the town.
REVELLERS were today warned to be wary of illegal taxis after a woman was raped by three men in Ipswich.
As detectives continued to investigate the attack on the 22-year-old, authorities were urging people to take care when on a night out in the town.
The Ipswich woman, who was found in Blanche Street, said three men were involved in the rape, which happened after getting into what she thought was a taxi.
She had decided to leave her friends to get something to eat, at about 12.15am yesterday .
She then got into a car with two men inside, at which point another man joined them. The woman said she was raped by one of the men while in the car.
Sergeant Neil Boast, of Suffolk police, urged clubbers to only use licensed taxis or private hire vehicles from a well-known firm.
He said: "They should have a plate on the rear of the vehicle, which is either yellow or white in colour. It should have the number of the vehicle on and say it's an Ipswich Borough Council private hire car or Hackney carriage.
"The driver should also be able to produce photographic identification."
Sgt Boast added it is best to get into booked taxis, never disclose personal information, always sit in the back and have money and keys ready for when leaving the cab.
A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: "If someone is planning a night out, the advice is to tell a friend or family member where you're going and to stick with friends during the evening."
Police were today looking through statements as they continued their hunt for the rapist.
Yesterday's attack happened a short distance from Cobbold Street, where a 92-year-old woman was raped on her way home from a shopping trip, at about 6.20pm on March 1, 2001.
Despite thousands of leads being followed up, the rapist was never prosecuted.
Anyone with any information about yesterday's crime is asked to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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