Met Police: Officer charged with six counts of rape

PC Cliff Mitchell, 23, – a serving Met Police officer – has been charged with six counts of rape, one count of making threats to kill and one count of breaching a non-molestation order.

He has been suspended from duty and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later.

A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the case.

The Met says a member of the public saw a woman in distress on Tuesday. She was found at about 13:50 in Hackbridge, southwest London.

An investigation was launched and the Met said it was established that its suspect as not on duty at the time.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “These are horrific allegations and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

“The arrest of a serving police officer on suspicion of such serious offences is extremely concerning and I recognise will cause considerable concern among London’s communities.

“This is an active investigation and inquiries continue at pace.”