Image appeal after woman, 19, sexually assaulted by driver in Bournemouth
The offender claimed to be an Uber driver
Last updated 17th Sep 2022
Images of a vehicle are being issued by officers as they investigate a report of sexual assault in Bournemouth and look to identify and appeal for information.
At around 2am on Sunday 11 September the victim, a 19-year-old woman, was sitting on steps outside the BIC in Exeter Road when a red hatchback vehicle approached.
The driver claimed to be an Uber driver and offered to give her a lift home.
The woman questioned whether he was a genuine Uber driver, but when the man insisted that he was, she then got into the vehicle.
The driver proceeded to lock the doors and touched the victim inappropriately. She asked him to provide identification, which he was unable to do. He eventually drove her home.
The offender is described as Indian and aged in his mid 20s.
Police Constable Samuel Burlton, of Bournemouth police, said:
“We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and have obtained images of the vehicle we believe to be involved.
“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have captured the vehicle on dashcam footage from around 2am on Sunday 11 September 2022.
"It is believed the vehicle travelled from the BIC in Exeter Road toward Bournemouth Pier and then onto the Lansdowne Roundabout before heading onto Cemetery Junction.
“I would also like to hear from anyone else with information that might assist our enquiries.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to warn people not to accept a lift from anyone if you have any doubts about their authenticity and to ask to see identification before getting into the vehicle if you are unsure.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220148876.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.