A TAXI driver could hold vital clues in the hunt for a sex fiend who raped a young woman on New Year's Day, detectives said today.

Police believe he may be able to help trace the car, a silver vehicle similar to an Audi A4, used by the rapist.

The attacker snatched the woman from Reedyford Road in Nelson at about 3am as she walked home following a night out and raped her in an alleyway in Every Street, Brierfield.

She was then taken to Langroyd Road, Colne and thrown from the car.

Police said the taxi driver picked up a young couple from the Cross Keys pub in St James's Street, Burnley, at about 3.15am and dropped them off in Langroyd Road at shortly before 4am on Saturday.

The couple went to the help of the 23-year-old victim and officers believe the taxi driver could have seen the offender's car leaving the area.

The vehicle is described as a four-door silver car with a short square boot and dark seating, possibly leather.

The attacker is described as Asian, around 5ft 10ins, medium build, with thick hair gelled back and shaved at the neck.

Police are appealing for witnesses and Det Chief Insp Mark Gray, who is leading the hunt, said he was especially keen to trace the taxi driver.

He said: "We would like to speak to the taxi driver who took the couple from Burnley to Colne as the offender's car was still on Langroyd Road at the time.

"He may hold vital information and we would urge him to come forward."

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.