Reported rape near Horsham did not take place say police

A 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 1 March. Police said: “After a thorough investigation, detectives have now established that the incident did not take place.”

Detective Inspector David Grover of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said: “We will always follow up and fully investigate all such reports.

“In this case, our detailed enquiries have led us to the clear conclusion that the reported offence did not in fact take place and the police investigation is now closed.

“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.

“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.”

There have been no other reports of attacks on women or girls in the area recently.