RUMOURS of two rapes being committed on two consecutive nights this week in the Six Hills Way area of Stevenage are not true, police say.

There has been a flurry of text and internet messages containing the allegations.

Det Chief Insp Glen Channer from the sexual offences investigation team said: “Understandably these messages have caused some serious concern within the local community but residents should be reassured that no such incidents have occurred.

“Officers had been investigating a report of a robbery and assault on a woman in the area in the early hours of Thursday morning. However, these investigations have proved negative and no crimes have occurred.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to think about the importance of their personal safety on nights out. We would advise people always to plan ahead.”