A man has been charged with kidnap and a string of sex offences after a woman was allegedly raped in a car. Merseyside Police says it received a report that a woman got into a car she believed was a taxi with a group of her friends in Wigan at around 1am on Sunday, September 27.
Alleged attack after journey
The car travelled from Wigan to St Helens town centre, where the offence is alleged to have taken place. James Paterson, 30, of Inglewhite Road, Longridge, has been charged with two counts of rape, sexual assault, kidnap and assault.
He has been remanded into custody ahead of his next court hearing on Wednesday, October 28, at Liverpool Crown Court.
Investigation ongoing
Merseyside Police says its investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information, or reports of similar incidents, is being asked to come forward.
Detective Inspector Jamie Heston, of Merseyside Police, said: “Although a man has been charged our investigation is ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with more information on what happened on that night or regarding similar incidents to come forward.
“If you have any information, please let us know as we continue with our enquiries. Any information could be vital to our investigation.”
Appeal for information
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police through X or Facebook @MerPolCC, online here or by calling 101, quoting incident reference 26000793391. Details can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
