A Metropolitan Police officer, identified as Pc Cliff Mitchell, aged 23, has been formally charged with six counts of rape and making threats to kill. These charges stem from an incident in which a distressed woman was discovered inside a vehicle.
The arrest of Pc Mitchell occurred after a concerned member of the public reported the situation to the police. This incident unfolded in Hackbridge, located in the southwest of London, last Tuesday.
According to reports, the police were informed that the woman had been assaulted within a residence by an individual known to her. This perpetrator then compelled her into a vehicle.
Notably, Mitchell, who is a currently-serving police officer, was off-duty at the time of this incident and has subsequently been suspended from the police force. He has been formally charged on Thursday and is scheduled to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The charges against him include six counts of rape, one count of making threats to kill, and one count of violating a non-molestation order.
Furthermore, it has been disclosed that Scotland Yard has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding this matter.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “These are horrific allegations and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers.
“Officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards are investigating. They are highly experienced detectives specialising in investigating domestic abuse and sexual offences.
“This is an active investigation and enquiries continue at pace.”
“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.
“I share those concerns and have made an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”