Detectives hunting a New Year rapist in Bradford are desperate to trace two taxi drivers who picked up his teenage victim shortly before the attack.

The 16-year-old suffered the horrific sex attack as she wandered through woodland in Baildon having earlier enjoyed an evening out in Bradford city centre along with thousands of other revellers.

After visiting a number of West End bars with friends, the teenager decided she had 'had enough' and hailed a Hackney carriage in Bank Street, arriving in Shipley town centre at around 11pm or 11.15pm.

She began walking to a friend's house in Baildon, but got into another car, which she believes was a taxi, which dropped her off at the address.

Having discovered her friend was not at home, the girl then wandered into Fairbank Wood - a secluded spot between Southcliffe Drive and Valley View - where she was subjected to the serious sexual assault.

Detective Superintendent Phil Sedgwick said neither taxi driver was being blamed for the attack but could prove vital to the inquiry.

He said both were Asian. The first drove a standard 'green and white' Hackney carriage. The second, who picked her up in Commercial Street, Shipley, is believed to have been driving red Ford Mondeo.

Det Supt Sedgwick said: "These two people could hold the key to solving the crime, having been the last people to see the girl before the attack." He said either might have seen someone near to the scene or noticed something suspicious on the night.

Detectives have already carried out door-to-door inquiries and are awaiting the results of forensic tests relating to the incident, said Det Supt Sedgwick.

"We will work towards tracing these witnesses but we would ask them to come forward."

As revealed in the Telegraph & Argus, officers investigating the rape are re-examining a number of attacks in the Shipley, Baildon, Bingley and Rawdon areas over recent months.

Having appealed for information over ten such incidents they arrested a 19-year-old Riddlesden man and charged him with three counts of attempted rape. The suspect is set to appear in court later this month.

However it is thought possibly two less serious attacks remained unsolved and Det Supt Sedgwick said it was "normal procedure" to compare them.

The New Year's Eve attacker was described as being white, in his twenties or early thirties, of medium build with short dark hair, brown eyes and wore dark clothing.

Anyone with information should contact Keighley CID on (01535) 617059.