PEOPLE are being warned to avoid unlicensed taxis after a woman was raped.

The two men raped the woman after driving her from Middlesbrough to a deserted farm track at Butterwick, near Sedgefield, early on April 26.

Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council executive member for community safety, said: "The main thing to remember is never to get into a 'pirate' or unlicensed car.

"These cars have not been safety checked and are driven by unlicensed drivers.

"These vehicles are not insured to carry passengers, and in our experience drivers of theses pirate taxis have included disqualified drivers and drivers with convictions for sex offences."

Hackney Association secretary Joe Durkin said: "We realise it is a difficult job to catch pirate operators but we still think there is more they could do."

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "We would always urge members of the public to ensure they are using a bona fide taxi firm."