People have been condemned for spreading “false and damaging” rumours that the person arrested following an alleged rape at Towan Beach was staying at a hotel in Newquay accommodating asylum seekers.

Newquay Refugee Support Group and Newquay MP Steve Double have spoken out following widespread rumours linking the incident on March 12 to the Beresford Hotel at Narrowcliff.

The police said a 38-year-old man arrested lived at Narrowcliff but later clarified he was not living at the Beresford Hotel.

Ghenadie Babii, who lives in a different part of Narrowcliff, went before Bodmin Magistrates Court on Friday charged with rape and was remanded in custody. His next appearance will be at Truro Crown Court on Monday, April 17.

Mr Double said it was always wise to wait to have all the facts before forming a view whilst the Newquay Refugee Support Group accused people of using the “horrific incident” as an attempt to further an anti asylum-seeker agenda.

A spokesman for the Newquay Refugee Support Group said: “We believe that it is vital to consider that the two very serious issues of violence against women and that of the right to claim asylum should not be mixed up.

“Women should always have the right to live free from violence and this message should never be forgotten or marginalised.

“We also stand by the international right to claim asylum.

“We wish to thank the local community for their ongoing support and kindness.”

Mr Double added: “Over the past weekend I was concerned to hear that a man has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman in Newquay.

“My thoughts are first and foremost with the alleged victim and her family.

“I have been informed by senior police officers that the man is 'categorically not from the Beresford Hotel'.

“I fully understand why local people felt concerned about this.

“It is always wise to wait to have all the facts before forming a view and that is the approach I like to take.

“Be assured that I will continue to work to see that the asylum-seekers at the Beresford Hotel are relocated as soon as possible.

“I have another call with Home Office officials scheduled this week where I will again make the point in no uncertain terms.”