Halifax Regional Police are investigating a sexual assault that allegedly happened in a Halifax taxi earlier this month.

Police say a woman was sexually assaulted in a black van on May 6 after being picked up between 2:45 a.m. and 3:15 a.m. around Argyle and Prince streets.

Investigators met with a 23-year-old victim on Thursday.

'Applaud her for coming forward'

"We just have to applaud her for coming forward because it's not easy. Coming forward is the first step and hopefully we can get some closure for her in this matter," said Const. Dianne Woodworth.

Police say the assault happened when the cab stopped at around Walnut and Cedar streets and the woman asked how much she owed.

Suspect is 35 to 40 years old

Woodworth said the driver told the woman, who was alone in the cab, that there was no charge and "forcibly put his lips on hers and then touched the victim in a sexual manner without her consent."

The woman ran away and hid until the man left the area, she said.

Police describe the suspect as a Middle Eastern or black man with a light complexion. They say he's between 35 and 40 years old and has an accent.

He's about five feet eight inches tall with dark eyes, a medium build, a bald head and clean-shaven face, said police.

'She should've been safe'

Anyone with information should contact police at 902-490-5016 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, submitting a tip online or texting information in a message including "Tip 202" to 274637.

Police say the assault was reported Monday and they waited to speak to the victim before releasing information.

"This young lady did nothing wrong. She was out, she took a cab home and she should've been safe," said Woodworth.