A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of wasting police time following a highly-publicised rape investigation.

The woman, in her early 30s, had told police she was bundled into a car by two men, along with her young child, and raped at a secluded location, near Redcar, in March.

A major investigation was launched with officers describing it as a “horrendous incident”.

At a press conference on the promenade, officers appealed for witnesses to come forward and drivers to hand over dash-cam footage taken around the time of the allegation.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young, from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Major Investigation Team, told reporters on March 6: “Our enquiries are continuing today into this horrific incident and our partner agencies are providing support to the woman and her child, who have obviously been through an extremely traumatic experience.

“We are carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries today. The area was busy at the time of the incident as people walked by with their dogs and local workers may have been on their lunch break.

"The victim was screaming for help as she was forced into the car. Someone must have seen or heard her.”

A man was arrested, but later released without charge and police then went on to say that the incident "was not as first reported".

A month on, Cleveland Police have revealed they have now closed the investigation into the allegation of rape and have instead arrested a woman and are questioning her.

A press conference was held by senior police officers at the scene following the allegation

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said this morning: “Officers can confirm that they are no longer investigating an allegation of rape in the Redcar area that was said to have taken place on Friday, March 3.

“Police have today arrested a woman aged in her early thirties on suspicion of wasting police time.

"She remains in police custody.”