A WOMAN who claimed she was raped in the grounds of St Ann's Hospice has now admitted she made up the story.

She has now been referred for psychiatric counselling and support.

As reported in the BEN an incident room was set up in Little Hulton after the 25-year-old woman claimed she was raped last Thursday.

But after she was interviewed for a second time by detectives she admitted that she had not been raped.

Det Ch Insp Kenny Caldwell of Swinton CID said today: "The woman has now retracted her initial allegation. She was not attacked.

"She is receiving medical assistance and support from her family and police officers.

"In the circumstances no further police action is proposed." The woman had claimed she was attacked as she pushed her 10-month-old baby in its pram.

The alleged attacker was reported to have struck as the woman walked through woods near the hospice gates off Peel Lane. Frightened hospice staff were put on alert believing a rapist was on the loose.

DCI Caldwell said: "The woman did have severe lacerations across her body and medical evidence supported the theory of a sexual attack."

He added: "We thank the people of Little Hulton for their tremendous response and co-operation with this investigation. They gave us a great deal of valuable information.

"We can now assure the people of Little Hulton that we are satisfied that a rape did not take place.

"The policy of this police force is to take all allegations of rape seriously and treat alleged victims with support and sympathy."

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