Woman 'kidnapped and raped in car she thought was taxi' as suspect named

Woman 'kidnapped and raped in car she thought was taxi' as suspect named James Paterson, 30, of Longridge, has been charged with kidnap and a string of sex offences after a woman was allegedly attacked inside a car in St Helens A man has been charged after the alleged rape of a woman inside a car in St Helens. Merseyside Police says it received a report that a woman got into a car she believed was a taxi with a group of her friends in Wigan at around 1am on Sunday, with the vehicle then heading to St Helens town centre, where the offence is alleged to have taken place. James Paterson, 30, of Longridge, has been charged with two counts of rape, sexual assault, kidnap and assault. Paterson has been remanded into custody ahead of his next court hearing on October 28 at Liverpool Crown Court, reports Manchester Evening News. Detective Inspector Jamie Heston, of Merseyside Police, said the investigation remains ongoing. The force is urging anyone with information to come forward as it could be "vital". He stated: “Although a man has been charged our investigation is ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with more information on what happened on that night or regarding similar incidents to come forward. “If you have any information, please let us know as we continue with our enquiries. Any information could be vital to our investigation.” The statement from Merseyside Police read: "A man has been charged with kidnap and several sex offences after it was reported that a woman was raped inside a car in St Helens. "At around 1am on Sunday 27 September we received a report that a woman got into a vehicle which she believed was a taxi with a group of her friends in Wigan. The car travelled from Wigan to St Helens town centre where it was reported that the offence took place. "James Paterson, aged 30, of Inglewhite Road, Longridge was charged with two counts of rape, sexual assault, kidnap and assault yesterday, Wednesday 30 September. He has been remanded into custody until his next court hearing on Wednesday 28 October at Liverpool Crown Court." Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police through X or Facebook @MerPolCC, online here or by calling 101, quoting incident reference 26000793391. Details can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online. [Image text:] 571 St Helens Ashton Billinge Orrells Winstanley Coll