by Andy Gray

A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of wasting police time after an alleged town centre rape.

The 17-year-old, from Maidstone, has been released on police bail to allow further investigations to be carried out.

It follows an allegation of rape in Medway Street on Thursday last week at about 11.30pm which prompted immediate and intense police scrutiny.

A member of the public flagged down a passing police patrol at 12.30am after being told someone had been assaulted after leaving a house party in Pudding Lane.

A section of the town centre between Pages Schoolwear and Meadow House was cordoned off while officers began meticulous inquiries.

They were eventually stood down at 4.15am on Friday but further investigations continued for most of the day.

The area remained sealed off as teams of detectives were drafted in to interview residents and nearby traders.

Forensic teams also carried out fingertip searches of the area and surrounding streets.

Drivers were still permitted access down Medway Street but officers were stationed at the reported crime scene until 8pm on Friday, when the police tape was eventually removed.

A 44-year-old local man was arrested and taken into custody but released without charge eight hours later.

The teenage girl has been bailed pending further inquiries.

A police spokesman said: “After investigating thoroughly this allegation of rape, a new investigation has been launched into an offence of wasting police time.

"These inquiries are continuing.”