PUBLIC fears were allayed today after the investigation into the gang rape of a man in a Laindon cemetery was dropped.

The 48-year-old man contacted police and the Echo newsroom at the weekend claiming he had been raped in St. Nicholas' church grounds on Friday night.

He also claimed he had been robbed of £130 during the alleged attack.

However, yesterday afternoon (Monday) the man withdrew his allegations.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed: "Following a thorough investigation, he has now made a statement confirming that neither offence occurred."

And the man, who lives in Basildon, will not be prosecuted for making the allegations.

Instead, police are referring him for mental health assessment.