A WOMAN was sexually assaulted after getting into a car she thought was a taxi following a night out.

The 24-year-old had been drinking with friends in Brighton and got some food at Buddies in King's Road before getting into a vehicle.

She believed this to be a taxi.

Shortly afterwards, she recalls being sexually assaulted by the driver.

The woman managed to escape from the vehicle and was found in a layby on the morning of December 12 last year in an unknown location by a man who then drove her home.

Today police are appealing for this man to come forward to assist with their enquiries.

The suspect is described as a black man with a wide face and short hair in an afro style. He was wearing a brown or khaki blazer with padded shoulders.

The car is described as having a leather interior with a stereo in the centre, and was well lit.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Anyone seeking to get a taxi is advised to ensure the vehicle is registered before travelling in it."

Anyone with any information about the incident should email police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 383 of 12/12.