A TAXI driver sexually assaulted a woman in Prestwich before striking again the next day in Whitefield, police have said.

At 3am on Saturday, an 18-year-old woman got into the taxi near to 42nd Street nightclub in Bootle Street, Manchester city centre and was driven to the Prestwich area where she was sexually assaulted.

At 2.45am the following night, a 23-year-old woman got into the car - possibly a silver Mercedes or similar - in Peter Street, Manchester city centre.

He drove towards the Whitefield area before he stopped the car in Phillips Park Road West and sexually assaulted her.

Police are also linking the driver to a third attack, which took place last Thursday.

At 5.15am, a 28-year-old woman got into what she thought was a taxi after a night out with friends.

She got into the silver vehicle in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre near to the bus station.

She told the man where she wanted to go and he started to drive.

He stopped the car near to Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield before sexually assaulting her.

The man is described as being Asian, in his 30s, possibly wearing glasses and had short dark hair.

Detective Sergeant Mark Astbury, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “We are working to establish whether all three incidents are connected or not but clearly this is a worrying set of circumstances.

"In all three incidents, the victims have been led to believe they are getting into a genuine taxi before they have been sexually assaulted.

"I would ask anyone who may have been approached or been a victim to call us as soon as possible.

"Please ensure you use licensed taxi companies by either pre-booking or going to a designated taxi rank.

"Stay together on a night out, and never get into an unknown car without checking it is a licensed taxi first.

"If you are unsure, go to a taxi rank, particularly if you are on your own.”

Anyone with information should phone police at the City Centre on 0161 856 3221 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.