Remaining silent during a rape could be seen as consent, the country’s most senior prosecutor has suggested.

Alison Saunders, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said a suspect in such a case could have a “reasonable belief” that they had been given consent and so may not face prosecution.

Ms Saunders explained that the CPS should act as “a protection” for both sides in the wake of a rape allegation and ensure that suspects are not wrongly put on trial.

Her comments follow the collapse of several rape cases amid wider public concern about the actions of police and prosecutors.

Oliver Mears, 19, an Oxford University student became the latest man accused of rape to have the case against him dropped after two years on bail, following a review of evidence just days before he was due to go on trial.

The Metropolitan Police has ordered a review of all its investigations into alleged rape and serious sexual assault following the collapsed trials of Liam Allan, 22, and Isaac Itiary, 25.