Police are investigating a woman who may have perverted the course of justice by making a false claim to have been raped, causing officers to carry out “extensive inquiries”.
She alleged that the attack had been carried out on either the night of Easter (Sunday 20 April) or Monday 21 April.
Sussex Police said today (Tuesday 20 May): “An investigation into a report of rape in Bognor has confirmed that the alleged incident did not occur.
“A woman contacted police to report being raped in the vicinity of Hotham Park overnight between Sunday 20 April and Monday 21 April.
“Extensive inquiries were carried out while the informant received specialist support.
“However, following a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the reported incident did not take place.
“The woman has since withdrawn her allegation and inquiries in relation to a possible offence of perverting the course of justice are ongoing.”
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said: “A significant amount of police resource was utilised over a number of days to investigate this allegation before it became clear that no offence had been committed.
“This demonstrates our commitment to listening and investigating all reports of sexual offences and that any such allegations will be taken extremely seriously.
“We continue to urge anyone who has been a victim or witness to a crime to report it online or call 101. In an emergency, dial 999.”
