Police in Hawera are continuing to investigate the rape on Christmas Day of a 22-year-old woman, but a second allegation made on December 29 by a 24-year-old woman has been found to be false.

A team of around 11 detectives were already investigating the first offence when a second complaint of a very similar nature was made. As enquiries were made there was concern among investigators as to the authenticity of the second allegation. Having interviewed the woman today police are now satisfied that there was no second attack.

The 24-year-old local woman has been charged with making a false complaint and will be appearing at Hawera District Court on 5 January 2009.

Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Borrell said: "It is important that all rape allegations are treated as genuine until evidence proves otherwise. On this occasion we are now satisfied that we are dealing with one isolated offence and although one offence is still a serious matter, we hope that the community, are in some way reassured that we are not dealing with a serial offender. I also hope this does not deter genuine victims of sexual assault from coming forward."

Media enquiries should be referred to Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Borrell on 0274 858 319.