A taxi driver has come forward after an appeal by police investigating the rape and stabbing of a nun.

The unnamed driver of a black cab is being interviewed in a north London police station.

Police said he had not been arrested and had come forward voluntarily after they appealed for witnesses following the rape and stabbing of a nun on her way home from a Christmas party.

The 37-year-old sister needed surgery after being slashed with a broken bottle or serrated knife in the early hours of Wednesday.

'Horrific attack'

A member of the public spotted her lying in a pool of blood at a building site behind Blackstock Road and Monsell Road in north London.

Detectives said she had been repeatedly raped and seriously sexually assaulted.

Detective Inspector Richard Jack of Holloway CID, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a particularly horrific attack."

The woman was so traumatised that she has been unable to remember the details of her ordeal.

She recalled having left the party in central London at around 11pm and getting a taxi at Victoria station. The driver was asked by her friends to take her home.

She has described her attacker as a white male, about six feet tall, with an athletic build and short hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

Underwent surgery

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We can confirm the woman was a religious sister but we are not discussing where she lives.

"It's believed she was attacked with a broken bottle or serrated knife.

"She underwent surgery yesterday and is expected to remain in hospital for several more days."

The nun was wearing a blue fleece jacket and orange jeans on the night of the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room at Holloway CID on 0181 345 1528 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.