A Cumbrian woman has urged others to stay safe after she alleges she was raped by a man she met via Tinder.

The 26-year-old woman, who as an alleged victim of a sexual offence is granted lifelong anonymity, has spoken out in a bid to prevent others suffering the same fate.

She revealed how she had spoken to her ‘match’ over a period of time before they went on to have two dates.

However, on their third date, at the man’s home in Furness, she alleged he forced her to have sex.

“He seemed really nice at first,” the woman said.

“We’d been chatting for a while, then we met up a couple of times, and on the third meeting I went to his house.

“I kept telling him to stop, I made it totally clear I didn’t want to have sex, but he held me down and forced me.”

Despite initially being reluctant to tell anyone the woman found the courage to report the incident to police a couple of weeks later.

Detectives based at Barrow launched an investigation and conducted a video interview with the alleged victim and arrested the man.

However, the victim has now been told that as the man claimed the sex was consensual police have said they cannot take any further action because of a lack of evidence.

“I’m terrified now because his bail conditions have stopped; the police have quickly decided not to take further action and it’s no wonder people are scared to report these things to police.”

Police have since vowed to speak to the woman again.

A police spokesman said: "A thorough and professional investigation was carried out following the report being received. However no charges have been brought at this time.

"However, officers will be making further contact with the complainant to discuss this decision further and make the complainant aware of the relevant review processes."

The National Crime Agency has reported a six-fold increase in reports of online-dating related rape offences.

The number of reports rose from 33 in 2009 to 184 in 2014, which is double the number of rapes reviewed by SCAS involving bogus taxis.

George Kidd, chief executive of the Online Dating Association, said: “We want dating to be a safe as well as great experience and take our responsibilities seriously. ODA members check user profiles, create safe-chat environments, remove anyone causing trouble, offence or harm and give users advice and guidance on how to stay safe when online and when meeting someone new.”

Police and industry organisations back support and advice offered by dating websites such as Tinder to users meeting matches.

These include: Meeting and staying in public places, telling a friend or relative of your plans, staying sober, and organising your own transport.

Rape Crisis can be contacted by calling 0808 802 9999