NORTHUMBRIA Police may have wrongly classified some rape cases as “no crime”, it has been revealed.

The findings came to light during a recent audit by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and have caused "grave concern" for the region’s police and crime commissioner, Vera Baird.

When a report of rape is made, the force immediately record it as a crime before any investigation takes place. Occasionally, following further investigations, those reporting the crime inform officers that no crime happened and they are reclassified as “no crime”.

Tonight, the force said that this year there have been 33 rapes “no crimed”.

A total of 11 of those incidents are now being reinvestigated to determine whether or not they have been properly dealt with.

Those involved in the identified cases have been moved to other duties and all victims will be contacted by professionally trained officers.

Ms Baird said: "My role as Police and Crime Commissioner is to determine that the police are doing everything within their powers to support victims of crime. "I have reviewed the cases and did have grave concerns, asking that a number be looked at again. This has happened and appropriate action is now being taken.

"I'm fully supportive of the prompt action the Chief Constable has taken and I'm confident that a thorough investigation will take place and I will continue to monitor the situation closely.

"Sexual assault including rape is one of my key priorities and I'm committed to ensuring victims feel confident to report such crimes and are reassured that they will be taken seriously and will be properly investigated by specially trained officers.

"Where needed, I will ensure that lessons are learnt and action taken."

Northumbria Chief Constable Sue Sim said: “As soon as I became aware of the issue I instructed a comprehensive investigation of all reported rape cases since October 2011 where a ‘no crime’ of rape has subsequently been recorded.

“As an interim measure those dealing with any case where decisions are being further examined have been moved. This is not to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, but to reassure the public that we have taken all the necessary steps to ensure professional standards are maintained.

“If any officer has failed to reach the high standards expected of them this will be dealt with through the proper procedures.

“Anyone who reports a rape to us should be confident that will take them seriously, investigate thoroughly and bring offenders to justice wherever we can.

“If any victim has concerns about the way their case has been handled they should get in touch with us. They have my personal assurance that we will look into their concerns properly.”

Anyone with concerns should contact police via the 101 non-emergency number.