A man arrested in connection with the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Ely has been released with charge.

The 53-year-old, from Sutton, was arrested on suspicion of rape back in March and was bailed to return to Parkside Police Station, in Cambridge, on Monday.

On answering bail, the man was released without charge with police citing a “lack of evidence” against him.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “There was insufficient evidence to prove the man was at the location at the time of the alleged offence, or with any other subsequent reported incidents of people being ‘followed’ in the area.”

Officers first received reports on February 23 of the rape on a 13-year-old girl in Lisle Lane, with the incident taking place on December 18 last year.

The incident happened at about 3.20pm when the offender, who is described as male, between 5’ 9” and six foot and wearing a long black coat, grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her.

Then on March 16, officers received a report of a suspicious incident in The Gallery, Ely, where a 17-year-old girl was followed by a man at about 8.15pm the same day.

The victim was walking when she noticed a man, about 5’7” wearing a long black overcoat and a brimmed black hat, following her.

Police are renewing their appeal for information regarding the two incidents.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.