Woman locked in car and sexually assaulted by 'Uber' driver

The victim was sitting on the steps outside the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) in Exeter Road on Sunday, September 11, at around 2am when a red hatchback approached her. 

The male driver claimed to be an Uber driver and offered to give her a lift home. 

The woman questioned whether the driver was a genuine Uber driver, but when the man insisted that he was, she then got in 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, September 11 2022.  

Bournemouth International Centre where the victim was waiting (Image: NQ)

“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 should contact Dorset Police at 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.