A student police officer with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has been arrested on suspicion of rape and kidnapping. The 23-year-old recruit was detained while off duty in West Yorkshire following a pursuit along the M62 motorway on Saturday.
GMP received a 999 call shortly before 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, reporting a woman in distress within a vehicle in the Manchester area. Officers traced the suspect's vehicle and initiated a pursuit, which concluded with the arrest of the student officer. He faces allegations of rape, kidnap, and dangerous driving.
The officer has been suspended from duty and remains in custody for questioning. Specialist officers and multiple agencies are providing support to the complainant, who is in her 20s.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter stated that the incident is deeply concerning and that the force is fully investigating with specialist resources to ensure the victim receives support and justice. He committed to working with the Crown Prosecution Service to expedite the case and initiate misconduct proceedings.
"I know they, like me, will be shocked and angered by this news," Dexter said of the thousands of GMP officers who work to protect the public. He added that an initial review by GMP's Professional Standards Directorate found no cause for concern during the officer's vetting, but acknowledged this did not diminish the severity of the allegations.
The matter has also been referred by GMP to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).