A MAN whose claims of rape triggered a manhunt has been charged with wasting police time.

The 24-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told detectives he had been raped by two men in a town centre alleyway.

He gave detectives a detailed description, which led them to interview an innocent married man.

The man was eliminated by police from their inquiries, following an interview.

The "victim" told police he was attacked by two men, who dragged him into an alleyway near the mima art gallery, in Middlesbrough, before forcing themselves on him.

Detective Inspector Chris Sadler, who was leading the investigation, described the alleged rape as "sickening" and a major inquiry was launched.

Investigating officers kept an open mind as to whether the alleged sex assault had in fact been a homophobic attack on a gay man. The alleged victim had told police he had left a bar in the centre of Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Saturday, March 10, and was walking towards the multi-million pound art gallery, when his attackers grabbed hold of him.

He told the police a graphic story, which included descriptions of the men, who he claimed had sexually assaulted him, and details of tattoos and the gold ring one of them was wearing.

But after interviewing one of the men implicated by the "victim", and following a week of intensive police work, officers were satisfied the allegations were untrue.

A file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, who decided the man should appear before a criminal court, summonsed with wasting police time.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "He has been reported for summons to appear before court."

The man, who is from Middlesbrough, but lives in Redcar, east Cleveland, will appear before Teesside magistrates, on a date to be fixed.