Police have issued a “sincere apology” to the victim of an alleged date rape following an investigation into the “inadequate” handling of her case, it emerged today.

The complaint, filed by alleged rape victim Anita Grinham, 36, against Suffolk Constabulary has resulted in the re-opening of the inquiry.

The alleged victim says she was raped in July 2008 after her drink was spiked during a night out in Ipswich.

She told police she was taken home and sexually assaulted.

Miss Grinham did not report the matter to police until several weeks after the alleged incident because she feared no-one would believe her.

When she did inform the authorities, officers made an arrest but the victim was told the Crown Prosecution Service could not take it to court due to the lack of forensic evidence.

She made a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and following an investigation into the handling of her case she has received an apology from Chief Inspector Kim Warner.

In a letter to her, he writes: “On behalf of Suffolk Constabulary, I sincerely apologise for the inadequacies in the original investigation, which led to you justifiably making your complaint.”

Chief Inspector Warner also states that the officer who led the case would receive “advice and guidance” about their involvement.

In addition, the original investigation has been re-opened and there is “potential for criminal proceedings”.

Today, Miss Grinham told The Evening Star she appreciated the apology.

A police spokesman said: “Suffolk Police has been in regular contact with this woman, providing her with regular updates on the progress of the professional standards department as well as the criminal investigation.

“As the criminal investigation is ongoing, we do not wish to make any further comment so as not to compromise the integrity of the investigation.”