POLICE are urging rape victims not to be scared of coming forward after a woman admitted she lied about a brutal town centre attack.

The woman alleged she had been violently raped in an alleyway off Church Street, Preston after becoming separated from her friends in Tokyo Jo's nightclub on Saturday last week (July 5). Police immediately launched an investigation and arrested the man involved. Shortly afterwards, the woman revealed she had made the whole thing up.

The man from Newcastle could sue the woman in the civil courts but says he wants to put the whole episode behind him. Police say they will not pursue any action against the woman for wasting time.

Acting Det Insp John Crichton said: "This case has certainly made it that little bit harder for real victims to come forward, but each one is treated separately according to its own merits.

"Such cases are not uncommon, but we begin investigations trying to believe the victim and strive to get the truth. In this instance, the alleged rapist has been the victim."

Pat Morgan of Preston's Victim Support stressed the service was available to all women, whether they are lying or telling the truth. She said: "Either way, there is a problem and the woman needs our help and support.

"Rape is difficult to prove as there are rarely any witnesses, but victims should come forward. The women we have assisted who have reported the offence are extremely glad they did." Contact Victim Support on 01772 201142.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.