A TAXI driver is being sought after helping a young woman following an alleged sexual assault.

The taxi driver took the 19year-old to meet her parents after finding her in a distressed state in a Middlesbrough road in the early hours of Wednesday.

Police investigating the alleged sexual assault would like to trace the driver as they believe he may be able to assist them with their inquiries.

The driver, who dropped the woman offat the Cenotaph, in Linthorpe Road, at about 5am, is described as being of Asian appearance, about 40 years old, with a slight beard and glasses. It is believed that he was not working at the time but he was travelling in a private hire taxi that was possibly navy blue.

Anyone with information is asked to call police 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.