POLICE have quashed fears that a group of attackers is prowling the streets of Dartford.

Officers are no longer investigating an allegation of rape in Dartford town centre in the early hours of Friday morning. The 21-year-old alleged victim withdrew her allegation yesterday.

She originally claimed she was raped by two men in Orchard Street.

During the weekend an exhaustive police investigation was carried out on both that allegation and a second rape claim made by a 17-year-old girl on the same night.

Although the 17-year-old has told police she no longer wishes to support her allegation police officers will continue to investigate the incident.

A spokesman for North Kent Police said: "The close proximity of these two allegations of rape led to the natural fears that a group of male offenders were operating in Dartford.

"Having conducted thorough investigations into both allegations police are satisfied that no such specific group exists and would like to reassure the public to that effect."

He added: "However, we would as ever encourage people to take personal safety very seriously at all times and continue to remain vigilant."