Detectives investigating a reported rape in Cliftonville say they are now ‘concluding’ their enquiries and ‘are no longer seeking a suspect.’
On Tuesday 21 January, Kent Police received a report that a man had been raped while on the promenade near Ethelbert Crescent between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.
Officers cordoned off areas at Newgate Gap and Ethelbert Crescent while enquiries were carried out.
Kent Police says a thorough investigation has now been carried out, which included forensics, speaking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV. Officers says they have exhausted all current lines of enquiry and are no longer seeking any suspect in this case.
Detective Inspector Richard Palmer said: “Kent Police take reports of sexual offences seriously and will work to identify all lines of enquiry to help us establish the circumstances.
“We want to thank everyone who has assisted in our investigation into this report.
“Our priority is to support and protect the public, and I hope people are reassured that there is no wider risk to the community and that Margate continues to be a safe location to live and work in.”
Somebody wasting police time, false accusation, or just not enough evidence?
A report from the police that says absolutely nothing.
They have looked at CCTV from the time & seen nothing, talked to people & found nobody to back the story up & medical staff forensically examined the person & found no DNA, or evidence of buggery. Can only deduce it is a hoax story-maybe the person has mental issues?
Story did sound odd when it was reported-being that the assailant was claimed to be something like 5 foot 4 or 5 & no mention of a weapon.
The press release makes no sense whatsoever. Either someone was wasting Police time OR there is a rapist out there.
This alledged rape has been reported on all around the U.K.
More clarity is required.
Not at all-it has made it clear. They wouldn’t say case closed if there was actually a rapist on the loose. It wouldn’t have been that hard to find the guy if he existed-as the claiminant said he was under 5 foot 5 inches tall!
Worst kind of people-do great harm to genuine victims. Should charge him with wasting police time.
He needs to pay for wasting police time. I wonder what would happen if the police found someone with a similar description.
It could have been a misunderstanding. He rubbed a lamp and a genie appeared. He said bu66er me and the rest is history.
There is also the possibility that the assailant was a non-white; and so the police are afraid of being labeled racist, thereby losing their jobs – as in the infamous case of the Bradford grooming gangs.
Your such a pillock Katmanndu, your spreading these vile accusations should be a criminal offence like all those bone head who thought they could burn down B & B hotels full of women and children! Don’t encourage this nonsense Kathy, its dangerous!
Then why would they put out a press statement when the assault was alleged, having obtained a description of the assailant?