A TEENAGER could face prosecution after admitting making a false claim of rape.

The 18-year-old told police she was raped near the bandstand in North Lodge Park, Darlington, after leaving the Mardis Gras nightclub in the early hours of April 26.

A 20-year-old man fitting the description she gave was arrested and questioned by police in connection with the attack.

Yesterday, detectives investigating her allegation obtained forensic evidence that proved the woman had lied. When officers visited her, she admitted the complaint had been false.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Reddick, of Darlington police, said that officers had been forced to force the front door of the man's house after getting no response.

"As a result of this complaint we ended up having to interview his work colleagues, friends and family, who all knew that he was under suspicion.

"This must have had a devastating effect on him," he said. "He is a local lad and he fully co-operated with the police inquiry throughout

"It's a horrendous thing for him and yet he was completely innocent."

A file will now be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether the woman will be charged with wasting police time.