Serial rapists might be escaping justice in Kent because of failures by police and prosecutors.

The county has the highest number of rape claims written off as if no crime ever took place - almost one in three cases.

A review has found investigations are dropped into 30% of alleged rapes in Kent - and often chances to identify links between offences are being missed.

Across England and Wales, the average number of rape cases categorised as 'no crime' is one in eight.

The report was published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary with the Crown Prosecution Service.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Drusilla Sharpling said they will ensure recommendations to improve investigative techniques are taken up.

She said: "We found that more can be done to make better use of the systems and processes in place around gathering and analysing intelligence, which will improve the service and experience of the criminal justice process for victims, and prevent crimes.

"Whilst the service for victims is getting better, there is absolutely no room for complacency and good intelligence, the right investigative approach and targeting resources effectively are key to preventing rape and catching perpetrators.

"Our review makes a number of practical recommendations which, if implemented, could make a difference to the police service's ability to understand and solve rape, and the criminal justice process."

Former Kent Police Chief Constable Michael Fuller, now HMIC Chief Inspector, said: "Progress has been made, particularly in the quality of CPS charging decisions.

Examples of when a reported attack is listed as 'no crime'

• Someone reporting rape which later turns out to be false
• If investigating officers find enough evidence to disprove an allegation
• If police later find the crime was outside Kent
• If it is handed to armed services to be dealt with

A police statement said the force takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Adams said: "Kent Police's no crime rate of sexual offences is high, and this is due to a number of factors.

"Firstly, we, unlike all other forces, record all incidents the moment they are reported to us. Some of these will then be no crimed if the report is proven to be untrue.

"In order that we deliver an excellent service to victims, we ensure that a specially trained initial response officer is sent to the initial call.

"In addition, we also have a 'serious sexual assault operational group', which involves police and partners meeting regularly to review protocols and further enhance ways in which we can prove the service we offer."

He said the way officers investigated rape was reviewed regularly.

Victim suites were available across the county, and a Sexual Assault Referral Centre was in use at Darent Valley hospital. A rape and sexual sexual offences unit had also been set up in Canterbury.

He added: "Our message is clear: victims of sexual assault are treated with dignity and respect, and will always be taken seriously. We fully investigate all reports made to us and work with the CPS to put offenders before the court."