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A TAXI driver, thought to be responsible for a string of serious sex attacks in his cab, may have assaulted women in the Bournemouth area, said police.

Officers believe his victims could have health problems which must be addressed.

The man, who drives a black London cab, offers his victims drink or drugs, believed to contain sedatives, before attacking them, according to a joint statement from detectives in Dorset and in London.

Metropolitan Police officers are worried that offences which may have been committed in Dorset since 2002 have not been reported by the cabbie's embarrassed victims.

But they have urged anyone with information to come forward and have stressed they have specific concerns for the health and well-being of potential victims.

"The offences may have been committed by the driver of a black London cab and it is alleged that his method is to offer women drink or drugs that he has with him in the front of the cab," said Det Insp Jez Noyce of Dorset Police.

"It is possible that the drink may have contained sedatives and that women have suffered ill effects as a result - a number of the women have then passed out and been unconscious for part of the journey.

"They have little or no recollection of what happens next but some of the women do recall being sexually assaulted.

"We have specific concerns about the health and well-being of women who may have been in contact with this man because our investigation is into alleged sexual assaults."

Det Insp Noyce said information will be treated in confidence and added: "Don't be embarrassed, don't be ashamed and don't suffer in silence because you will be believed.

"Do come forward because we have specially trained officers who can help."

He said any information would be welcome, no matter how unimportant it may appear to be. Please call the police incident room in confidence on 0800 328 7657 or Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

6:07am Friday 9th May 2008

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