A man has been charged after a woman was reportedly kidnapped and raped inside a car after she believed the vehicle was a taxi.
Merseyside Police said the incident happened at around 1am on Sunday, 27 September. The woman had been with a group of friends in Wigan when she entered a vehicle she believed to be a taxi.
The car then travelled from Wigan to St Helens town centre, where police said the reported offences took place.
James Paterson, 30, from Inglewhite Road in Longridge, was charged on 30 September with two counts of rape, sexual assault, kidnap and assault.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 October.
Detective Inspector Jamie Heston said the investigation remains ongoing despite the charges. Police are appealing for anyone who may have information about what happened that night, or who may have information about similar incidents, to come forward.
Merseyside Police said information from the public could assist detectives with their investigation.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and the defendant is entitled to a fair trial.