A NORTH-EAST police force's top detective has moved to reassure residents, as new figures revealed a big rise in rape prosecutions.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Scott, of Durham Police, was speaking after the force announced prosecutions are up 500 per cent on last year.

There were 57 rape prosecutions, from 83 offences recorded, in the 12 months to March - up from 11 prosecutions from 158 reports during the previous year.

Mr Scott said the increase was due to new investigation techniques, rather than a rise in offences.

He said: "People should be aware that stranger rapes are extremely rare.

"The vast majority of attacks that take place are by people known to the victim.

"Last year, a range of measures were incorporated into the way we deal with serious sexual assaults - and the results speak for themselves."

The force, which covers County Durham and Darlington, has trained 19 officers as experts in dealing with male rape.

The sexual offence liaison officers - 17 of whom are women - work on a 24-hour shift system, interviewing victims in new sexual offence referral centres in Meadowfield and Darlington.

Durham has also introduced "early evidence kits", allowing the first investigators at a scene to seize evidence and gather clues before medical examinations begin.

Mr Scott said: "We hope victims will have a greater faith in what we do, firm in the knowledge we will vigorously pursue their complaint and support them during all stages of the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

"The force is reaping the benefits of a continuous programme of investigator training at all levels.

"The programme, commonly referred to as Pip, focuses on the professionalism of police investigations and requires officers to undergo accreditation as an investigator.

"This pioneering work in Durham has attracted national recognition.

"The way we now deal with the initial report of a rape, the crucial evidence-gathering and the support we give to victims has changed significantly."

Steven Orange, Acting Chief Crown Prosecutor, said the early stages of a rape investigation are crucial if a conviction is to be secured.

He said: "These figures are welcome evidence that the close working relationship between officers and lawyers is benefiting victims."