The dangers of bogus taxi drivers have been hammered home after a woman was raped in Redbourn by a counterfeit cabby.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the attack at 8.30pm on January 14.

The victim had been picked up outside Luton and Dunstable Hospital by what she believed was a taxi. The driver took her home before going into the property and assaulting the victim.

The suspect was a white man aged in his early to mid-30s, 5ft 10ins and of slim build. He had short hair and was wearing a black jacket which had a yellow Ferrari emblem on the shoulder. He was driving a shiny black four-door car.

Detective Constable Annette Sims from the Sexual Offences Investigation Unit is investigating: “I would appeal to members of the public in the area of the hospital who saw a car and driver matching the description above to contact me with any information. I would also be keen to hear from anyone who saw a car similar to this at any petrol stations in the area to contact police.

“This is a highly unusual incident however, I would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public that is they are using a taxi to ensure that it is licensed.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Sims on 01707 355071 or via the Herts police non-emergency number 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.