By Jess McCabe | 6 June 2005, 11:52

The Met are to re-examine the way they investigate rape cases, in response to evidence that the number of convictions is falling, The Independent reports today.

Only one in 20 reported rapes end up in a conviction, and an increasing number are being classified as “no-crimes”.

A Home Office report cites changing attitudes, as heavy drinking and drug use means that some rape victims recall little of the attack, making it near-impossible to secure a conviction.

Brian Paddick, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been asked to head the review.

A spokesperson said: “We are carrying out a review concerning the numbers of successful prosecutions for rape. As part of this process, we will be reviewing the number of rape allegations which are [not classified as crimes] and trying to establish why there are variations between boroughs in this category.”