Police no longer investigating Hastings stranger rape (From The Argus)

Police no longer investigating Hastings stranger rape

5:53pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

Police are no longer investigating a report of rape in Hastings.

A 24-year-old woman claimed she was raped as she walked in Lower Park Road at 7.30pm on Sunday.

Tonight the force said it was “no longer looking for anyone in connection with the incident”.

No arrests have been made.

The force said: “Sussex Police takes all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously and will always ensure that any allegation is investigated thoroughly and sensitively.

“Following the report of an incident on the evening of Sunday a team of specialist police officers, including detectives and search trained officers, was assembled to investigate an allegation of rape.

“Having undertaken a series of enquiries to establish the exact circumstances of what was reported, the investigation is no longer looking for anyone in connection with this incident.”

Detective Inspector Hannah Willard said: “We have spoken with a woman regarding her report and are reviewing the allegation. We take all reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and these are always treated as a high priority.

“Victims are treated with dignity and respect throughout the investigation and are offered full support by the investigating officer.

"We continue to encourage people to come forward as soon as possible which gives us the best chance of finding out what did happen and bringing the offenders to justice."