Charges dropped in rape case

Rape charges against two boys aged 10 and 11 are to be dropped because of insufficient evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The boys were due to appear today before Margate magistrates in Kent accused of raping a girl aged five. Charges were believed to have been brought on evidence available at the time, but new matters have come to light which reduced the prospect of a conviction. The case, which involved a further accusation of gross indecency, will be formally discontinued.