Milford Haven sex attack claim was false, police confirm (From Milford Mercury)

Milford Haven sex attack claim was false, police confirm

1:38pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in News

A sex attack said to have happened in the centre of Milford Haven last month was a false accusation, police have confirmed.

A woman told police she had been attacked near the Lidl store on Great North Road in the early hours of Saturday January 21st.

The area around the store was sealed off while investigations began. Dyfed-Powys Police officers also made several appeals for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Shane Williams said: “We want members of the public to be reassured that Dyfed-Powys Police treat, and will continue to treat, all allegations of sexual assaults very seriously and sensitively. We work with a range of partner agencies to ensure all victims receive as much support, help and advice as they need and that all allegations are investigated thoroughly.

“Unfortunately, as the recent case in Milford Haven demonstrates, occasionally people make false and malicious allegations to the police, which can potentially damage the work our officers do with genuine victims. These false allegations have an impact on the falsely accused as well as the public perception of the way the force deals with these cases.

“We do not want people to suffer in silence, we are here to help. We will provide appropriate support and guidance as well as provide a guarantee that we will fully investigate each case that is reported.”

See www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/advice/rape/ for more information.