WOMEN have been warned to be on their guard following a spate of violent incidents involving men posing as private hire taxi drivers.

Police have received a number of reports from women who claim they have accepted lifts home from bogus cabbies and have then been attacked or threatened.

The latest alleged incident happened on Friday night when a 47-year-old, from Leigh, got into a car as she waited for a taxi in Higher Bridge Street.

She had been out with friends at the nearby Jumping Jacks nightclub and was alone at the time.

Today -- as thousands of revellers prepare to enjoy Christmas parties in Bolton -- police warned women to be vigilant.

Steve Openshaw, crime reduction advisor at Bolton Police, said: "You should always check that you are really getting into the right sort of vehicle.

Asif Vali, chairman of the Bolton Private Hire Association, said the public needed to be responsible. He said: "Unfortunately, some people will jump into any car after a night out without a thought for their own safety."

Zuber Matadar, aged 19, of Halliwell Road, Halliwell, is due to appear before Bolton Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with abduction, indecent assault and making threats to kill.