German police 'thought man was joking' when he called to report his girlfriend was being raped

A review of Bonn Police's procedures is in progress, the force said

A 31-year-old Ghanaian asylum-seeker was arrested after police released this e-fit image (Police handout)

An emergency call handler asked a man if he was joking when he reported his girlfriend's ongoing rape by a machete-wielding attacker, it has been reported.

Police in Germany have launched a review after admitting they mishandled two emergency calls from a terrified camper who had been threatened with the knife before the rapist dragged his girlfriend away.

The officer who took his first call asked him: "You aren't messing with me, are you?" After enquiring about his name and location, and promising to send help, the Bonn Police operator hung up, according to the Rheinische Post.

No one arrived, however.

When the attack was over the young man and his girlfriend left the scene in the Siegaue nature reserve and looked for help.

He called police a second time on the emergency line, but was directed to the local station instead. Half an hour later, officers arrived to take the woman to hospital.

The rape took place in April and a Ghanaian asylum seeker has reportedly been arrested, though he denies rape.

A Bonn Police spokesman admitted the way the calls were treated, and the language of the operator during the first emergency plea, were not up to standard.