Identical Twins Charged With Rape Since DNA Evidence Cannot Tell Which Of Them Actually Committed The Crime

Mohammed and Aftab Asghar, 22, were both arrested after DNA evidence was found at the scene which provided a possible link to one, or both, the brothers.

Since identical twins come from the same fertilised egg, they have the same DNA.

Police investigated after a girl aged 17 claimed she was attacked in a park near Reading, Berks, on Guy Fawkes Night 2011.

Detectives decided to charge both men.

Prosecutors have now requested more time to continue investigating lines of inquiry which may lead to only one of the brothers facing trial.

Prosecutor Sandra Beck told Reading crown court: “It is an unusual case. They are identical twins. The allegation is one of rape.

“There is further work due and there is an indication which would tend to support that one was not at the location.’’

No further details were revealed about the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.

Even though identical twins are born with the same DNA, scientists have discovered that tiny genetic changes can occur to cells early in development, allowing for differences as twins grow older.