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Rape allegation of 12-year-old girl near Irish pub 'was not genuine'

POLICE in Manchester have ended the investigation into the rape of a 12-year-old girl after the alleged victim revealed the report was not genuine.

On December 30, 2016, the girl disclosed to police that she had been raped while walking on Chapel Street, close to Irish pub the Horseshoe in Levenshulme on November 22, 2016.

Officers launched an investigation and a 16-year-old boy was arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police revealed that at the end of January 2017, "the girl disclosed to officers that the original report was not genuine".

The 16-year-old boy has since been released without charge and no further action will be taken.

Chief Inspector John-Paul Ruffle of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and the welfare of the victim is our priority.

“As soon as a report is made, the victim is supported by specially-trained officers and we trust that each report is genuine.

“We have carried out extensive enquiries and there were increased patrols in the area to reassure members of the community and encourage people who were understandably concerned to approach us.

“As part of the investigation, we have concluded that it is not appropriate for us to pursue a prosecution in this instance due to a number of vulnerabilities that have been identified.

“The girl is now being fully supported by specially-trained officers and partner agencies.

“Help and support is always there for people who report sexual offences. If you want to make a report of a sexual offence, you will be taken seriously.”