Police close investigation into reported rape near Horsham
A 14-year-old girl told officers she had been attacked
Police in West Sussex have established that a reported rape in a country lane near Horsham did not take place.
A 14-year-old girl had reported that she had been attacked and raped by a man while she was walking along a lane off Okehurst Road in a quiet country area known as The Haven, between Bucks Green and Five Oaks, between about 12.15pm and 1.15pm on Monday (March 1st).
In a statement, Sussex Police said the investigation into the incident has now been closed following detailed enquiries.
Detective Inspector David Grover of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said;
"We will always follow up and fully investigate all such reports.
"Throughout the investigation the girl has continued to receive support from specially trained officers, and has also been able to access other specialist sources of independent advice and support.
“I’d like to thank the community for the support they have provided and reassure them that this incident is now resolved.
"We also continue to encourage anyone who has been a victim of any sexual offence, or knows of someone who has been, to speak to us in confidence so that we can ensure they receive support and so that we can investigate and wherever appropriate seek justice for them."
Sussex Police said there have been no other reports of attacks on women or girls in the area recently.