The dangers of illegal minicabs were highlighted by police this week after a 15-year-old girl narrowly escaped being sexually assaulted by a driver.

The girl was walking to a bus stop after a night out in the early hours of last Sunday morning, August 20 at 1.55am when a man approached and offered her a lift.

She said no, saying she didn't have any money but he said he would take her anyway and she got in.

The cab driver took her somewhere near Chertsey Court, Mortlake and then asked her to get into the front of the car so she could direct him more easily.

She sat in the front seat and the man drove her to her road. He then stopped, locked all the doors and demanded sex.

The girl was rescued by two friends who happened to walk by the car, who stopped and got her out. The cab then drove away.

The cab driver is described as a 39-year-old Asian male, 5ft 8in, and wearing a grey button-up shirt and beige trousers. He had short brown hair and was of heavy build. The car was a silver Renault Laguna.

Call Kathy Fenwick on 020 8247 7042.