Police investigating the alleged rape of a mother who was apparently forced into a car say the circumstances "were not as first reported".

Officers also said they were no longer looking for two men over the alleged assault in Redcar.

The pair were reported to have bundled the woman and her toddler into the back of a dark-coloured saloon during a walk along the seafront last Friday.

It was claimed the men then drove to Longbeck Lane in Yearby, where the mother was allegedly raped by both of them during a seven-hour ordeal.

But Cleveland Police said the circumstances were "not as first reported".

However, they did say they were investigating a rape allegation involving people who may have known each other.

A 31-year-old local man was questioned following the reported attack but he was later released without charge.

A police statement said: "Officers have established that the circumstances surrounding a report of rape in Redcar on Friday 3 March are not as first reported.

"And officers are no longer looking for two men that forced a woman and her child into a vehicle on Redcar seafront.

"Inquiries are ongoing into an allegation of rape involving people who may have been known to each other."

Officers said anyone who may have seen a woman with a toddler around Roseberry Road and Larkswood Road in Redcar between 4pm and 6pm should contact them on 101.

They also said they want to speak to anyone who has private CCTV footage covering the area at that time.