Deal rape and kidnap manhunt called off

Detectives investigating a report of a serious sexual assault in Kent have called off their hunt for suspected kidnappers and a rapist.

The inquiry was set up after a 20-year-old woman told police two men forced her into the back of a car in Deal and sexually assaulted her on 6 February.

Police now say they are satisfied the incident, in the Kingsdown area, did not happen as reported.

Chief Insp Ken Elmes said residents need no longer worry about the attack.

"I am relieved that the hunt for suspected kidnappers and a rapist can be closed," he said.

"Officers are still going to be working to establish what was behind the allegation, but they are not investigating a kidnap or rape."