A serving Metropolitan Police officer with the South West Basic Command Unit, which covers Richmond Borough, has been charged with rape.

PC Rupert Edwards was arrested on suspicion of rape of Monday, September 5 . He was bailed and suspended from duty.

On Thursday, December 8, he was further arrested on suspicion of rape. And today, December 9, he was charged with two counts of rape.

He was due to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 9 December.

Commander Jon Savell, in charge of the Met's professionalism command, said: "This news is deeply worrying and I recognise the concern it will cause the public and other police officers.

"We took immediate action to suspend PC Edwards from duty when he was first arrested in September.

"Legal proceedings are now active and it is important that I do not comment while that process takes place."

The charges relate to two women aged in their 20s and 30s. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

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The offences are alleged to have occurred in Lambeth on Friday, 26 August 26 , and in Surrey on Monday, September 5, while the officer was off-duty.

The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct have been informed.