Met orders review of rape investigations

A major review is to be launched into how rape inquiries are carried out in London after disturbing figures revealed huge differences in how many are investigated.

Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir Ian Blair ordered a top-level inquiry into the investigation and prosecution of the crime after a study found only 5.6 per cent of allegations ended in a successful prosecution.

The success rates of boroughs shows huge disparities, leading to concerns some areas are not competently investigating allegations.

The review, led by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick, will examine whether the number and calibre of officers involved in rape cases can explain the variations or whether other factors are to blame. It will also look at cases where no crime is found to have been committed to make sure legitimate cases are not being dismissed.

Even the figures for the Met's official "clear-up rate" - all crimes for which the police believe they have identified the attacker, regardless of whether there was a conviction - show disparities between boroughs.

Islington recorded almost 90 per cent of rapes as solved, while Barking and Dagenham's figure was 27 per cent. But experts warned high clear-up rates could also mask rapes being dismissed and not recorded as crime.

Sir Ian's concern also centres on cases which, in police jargon, are "not crimed". Many involve women who report an attack but have little recollection as they were severely drunk or had taken drugs. A Home Office study found alarming evidence of men targeting women clearly the worse for drink as they would be less likely to be prosecuted.

In February, Home Office research revealed the conviction rate in rape cases had sunk to an all-time low across England and Wales despite the change. The study found only

5.6 per cent of allegations led to a rapist being punished, despite government efforts to boost results.