A TEENAGER has been fined after making a false report that she had been sexually assaulted.

The 19-year-old, from Bolton, told police she had been sexually assaulted while on a night out in the town centre.

An area on Bradshawgate, near to the junction of Princess Street, was cordoned off for several hours while detectives investigated the allegation in the early hours of Sunday.

After a thorough search by police it was discovered the sexual assault claim was not true, and the woman was given a £60 fixed penalty notice for wasting police time.

Det Sgt Tony Lunt, from Bolton CID, said: “On this occasion, the sexual assault that was alleged to have taken place has proved to be a false account. We take all reports of assault and rape seriously and investigate thoroughly and without prejudice.

“Greater Manchester Police encourages anyone who has been a victim of rape or any sort of sexual abuse to come forward.

“But I must also stress the importance of providing police with genuine reports due to the time we invest in investigating these cases.

“I hope this incident does not deter genuine victims from coming forward to police.

“We have speciallytrained officers who give a tremendous amount of time and support to anyone who has been a victim of rape and we work extremely closely with the St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can call police on 0161 8725050 or 999 in an emergency.

Expert advice, forensic services and counselling are also available 24- hours-a-day from St Mary’s, which can be contacted on 0161 2766515