Rape allegation 'was false'

A woman who claimed she was raped made up the allegation, police said today.

The 25-year-old went to Surrey Police on July 12 to report that she was assaulted on the Goldsworth Park estate, near Woking, as she walked home from a barbecue the previous evening.

Officers launched an investigation in a bid to trace the attacker but inquiries led them to believe the incident did not take place as described.

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said the woman was not facing charges in connection with the false allegation.

"Due to the complexities of the case, police have made the decision not to charge the woman with any offence at this time but that is subject to review," she said.

Detective Inspector Jo Sidaway, who led the investigation, said: "Rape is an extremely serious crime and police have a duty to investigate every allegation made to us.

"In this case, we are satisfied from the evidence we have gathered that this assault did not take place as described.

"I would like to stress that this should not discourage genuine victims from coming forward. You have nothing to fear from police and we have specially trained officers who will work with you and support you."