A REPORT has revealed an 11 per cent rise in the number of rapes reported in Cumbria.

The annual Rape Monitoring Group Report, carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICRFS), analysed cases reported to Cumbria Police dating from 2016-17.

The figures show there has been an 11 per cent increase in all rape cases when compared to 2015/16.

The highest increase was in rape of a male over 16 years. There has been an increase in six reported cases compared to four the previous year.

In total 61 cases were referred by the police to Crown Prosecution Service with just under half moving forward to charge. 29 cases resulted in a conviction with nine unsuccessful.

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Police and crime commissioner Peter McCall said: “I praise the brave victims that have come forward and report that they have been a victim of rape. Whilst we are seeing an increase in the crime figures around rape, there is a positive sign that victims are more confident to come forward."

He urged victims to report to the police and highlighted support offered at The Bridgeway.

Detective Superintendent Vicki Ellis added that the rise in the number of rape incidents reported was 'in line' with other forces throughout the country as it continued to receive reports of non-recent incidents.

"The rise shows an increase in confidence and willingness of victims to come forward and report such offences, in the knowledge they will be listened to and investigations will be carried out," she said. “Rape investigations are complex and can often be lengthy, especially historic cases when there is a lack of forensic evidence. I can assure the public that any incident of rape, whether recent or non-recent, is thoroughly investigated so that offenders can be brought to justice.”