Bail after Christmas sex assault

Police have issued a description of a potential witness they want to contact

A man arrested by police investigating a reported sex assault on a 32-year-old woman early on Christmas Day has been released on bail.

The 35-year-old was questioned after the woman alleged she was assaulted by a taxi driver at Maindee, Newport.

Gwent Police said the alleged incident happened after the woman had been picked up in a black people carrier in the city centre at about 0030 GMT.

The man was given police bail while officers carry out further inquiries.

It is thought the vehicle was parked near the Corpa pub during the alleged attack.

Officers want to speak to anyone who was in the area of Corporation Road between 0045 GMT and 0115 GMT on Wednesday to contact them.

In particular they are appealing for a man, described as walking from the Cromwell Road area towards the city centre just after 0100 GMT, to get in touch.

'Isolated'

It is believed he walked past the vehicle at the time of the alleged incident and it is hoped he can provide vital information.

The potential witness is described as black or Asian, about 40 years old, medium build, 5ft 8in - 5ft 10in (1.73 - 1.77m), with dark hair that is short but not shaved. He was wearing a short-sleeved dark shirt.

Insp Colin Prosser of Gwent Police said: "We would like to reassure residents that this is an isolated incident and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this time.

"We would like to reiterate the advice we give to people out on the town and needing to get home.

"Try to pre-arrange a lift home if possible, if not pre-book a licensed and regulated taxi or use the Cabsafe service - text CAB to 83222 to get details of three of the nearest licensed and regulated cabs to your location."

Anyone with information can contact Gwent police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111