Rape-quiz man eliminated from inquiry

From the archive, first published Wednesday 28th Mar 2007.

A man who had been questioned about the alleged rape of an 83-year-old widow at her home has been eliminated from the police inquiry.

The 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape, following the allegation by the elderly woman, of Shelf, and was then released on bail pending inquiries.

Detective Inspector Ash Hewitt, of Calder Valley CID, today said the man had now been eliminated from the inquiry.

Inquiries into the woman's allegation are continuing, but extensive forensic tests have failed to find any evidence.

Det Insp Hewitt said: "The results of all the forensic examinations have now come back and there is nothing conclusive to support the allegation.

"The inquiry is still open, but without further information we are unable to advance it.

"We will speak to the woman's family in the next couple of days and we will consider re-interviewing the complainant to see if she has any further recollection."

Police were alerted at 6.30pm on Thursday, March 8, by a home help who called at the woman's bungalow in the Carr House Road area of Shelf and found her in a distressed state in the kitchen.

The pensioner was very traumatised and upset and alleged she had been sexually assaulted, though she was not physically injured.

The area was sealed off while police carried out detailed forensic examinations of the scene. Specially trained officers were brought in to try to obtain details of what happened from the distressed woman, who lives alone.

Police urged any witnesses who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area between 5pm and 6.30pm that day to contact them.

Det Insp Hewitt said: "We will continue to look into descriptions of anybody seen acting suspiciously."

Anyone with information should contact Calder Valley CID, via the help desk, on (01422) 337059, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.