Uber has banned a driver after he was allegedly videoed with his trousers down while next to a young woman in the back of a vehicle.

A spokesperson for the ride-hailing app said the tech company was “horrified by what is depicted in the video”.

The firm also said that it had launched an investigation and was “working directly” with the police.

The footage shows the young woman in the backseat with her head in her hands as the driver is seen pulling up his trousers and returning to the front seat.

The driver, who appears in the video to have a private-hire licence plate linked to Rochdale, is questioned by the person filming the footage before driving away from the scene.

In a statement, Uber said: “We are horrified by what is depicted in the video and are taking action.

“We have banned the driver while we investigate and are working directly with the police.”

Greater Manchester Police is understood to be “aware” of the video.

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd said he had asked the force to investigate the incident and that he expected a “very rapid investigation”.

In a statement, published on Twitter, the Labour MP wrote: “I have been made aware of a video of an Uber driver circulating online and this must be taken very seriously.

“I’ve asked Greater Manchester Police to investigate this.

“I expect a very rapid investigation by the police as well as by Uber. This is a really worrying video and a rapid investigation is necessary.

“The protection of young people is paramount and this video needs to be investigated to give the public reassurance and to protect vulnerable young people.”

Sky News has contacted Greater Manchester Police for a comment.