A TEENAGER was sexually assaulted after mistaking a minibus for her taxi to work.

The 19-year-old was waiting on Fabian Road, in Eston near Middlesbrough, at around 6.35am on Saturday morning when she climbed into the burgundy van by mistake.

The girl, who is usually picked up by a work-organised taxi, sat in the front with the driver.

As they pulled away the man kept asking how he would be paid for the fare and leant over and rubbed the woman’s upper right leg.

She managed to get the him to pull over, so she could call work and ask about payment but called a friend and walked away.

The man, who is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is described as being in his thirties, white, and of scruffy appearance.

He was of medium build with dark spiky hair and dark stubble on his face. He was wearing a dark blue, short sleeved T-shirt and dark jeans.

The interior of the mini-bus is described as being old and grey and had no taxi meter.

Any one with information is asked to contact PC Matthew Speak at Kirkleatham Police Station on 01642-302626.