AVON and Somerset Police gave three cautions to adults involved in rape investigations over the past five years.

The police force has released the information as a part of a response to recent media reports highlighting the amount of adults "walking free" from rape investigations.

Exactly 45 adults were cautioned for rape across the country in the past five years, according to a freedom of information request by The Mirror.

Three of these cautions were issued by Avon and Somerset Police, who say that carrying out thorough investigations is one of their "top policing priorities". 

The police force has now issued a statement explaining the circumstances surrounding each caution, two of which were issued in 2013/14 and one in 2012/13.

It says: "In two of the three cases, the victims were reporting a rape which happened in the 1980s and 1960s respectively.

"In one of these cases, the offender was under the age of 14 at the time the crime happened and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) a caution was given for indecent assault.

"In the other non-recent case, the offender was around the age of 13 at the time of the offences and accepted a caution for a sexual offence, which was not legally defined as rape at the time it was committed."

DCI Marie Wright, Force lead for rape and sexual assault, explains that cautions are only issued in accordance with "robust safeguarding measures".

She said: “The decision is always reviewed by a specialist lawyer in the CPS and our Force Rape Champion.

“The welfare and protection of victims is at the forefront of all rape and sexual assault investigations and we provide a comprehensive package of support to victims with the help of our partners."

She added that the force is always aiming to "deter offenders" and "give victims the courage to come forward".

"Our message on this is clear: You don’t have to tell us. Just tell someone." she said.