Charges dropped against Ipswich man accused of rape

Trevor Maiden appeared at Suffolk Magistrates' Court in March before the charges were dropped

Charges against a man accused of rape, impersonating a police officer, kidnap and strangulation have been dropped.

Trevor Maiden, 55, of Cavendish Street in Ipswich, had been charged with six offences.

The Crown Prosecution Service discontinued court proceedings due to a lack of evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction, the BBC understands.

Mr Maiden has been released from custody, police said.

Suffolk Police said: "As a result of the case being discontinued at court, the charges were withdrawn and the suspect released from custody.

"A police investigation into the allegations is ongoing."

Mr Maiden had been remanded in custody following a hearing at Suffolk Magistrates' Court in March.