A 23-year-old student police officer with Greater Manchester Police has been arrested on suspicion of rape and kidnap following a pursuit on the M62 over the weekend.
Arrest after 999 call
The force said a 999 call was made on Saturday evening (August 8) where a woman could be heard to be in distress in a vehicle in the Manchester area. Response officers traced the vehicle, which was pursued on the M62 in West Yorkshire.
The man, who was off-duty and in his personal vehicle, was stopped and arrested on suspicion of kidnap, rape and dangerous driving. He remains in custody for questioning.
Victim safeguarded
The victim, a woman in her 20s, has been safeguarded and is working with specialist officers and agencies. The man has been suspended, and GMP has made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said: “This is quite clearly a deeply concerning and disturbing incident that we are fully investigating with specialist resources to ensure the victim receives support and justice.
“I can give our full commitment to working with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring this case to court as quickly as possible, as well as accelerating the necessary misconduct proceedings within the regulations.
“Thousands of the men and women in GMP work every day to protect the public. I know they, like me, will be shocked and angered by this news.
“Our Professional Standards Directorate has conducted an initial review and found his vetting was completed without any reason for concern. This does not, however, lessen the severity of these allegations. All necessary and decisive action will be taken in the interest of the victim and the public.”
Force statement
In a full statement, the force said: "Detectives are questioning a serving GMP student officer who was arrested in West Yorkshire on suspicion of rape over the weekend.
"The 23-year-old man, who was a student officer still in training, was stopped in his personal vehicle while off-duty following a pursuit on the M62.
"The pursuit followed a 999 call at 10.18pm on Saturday 8 August where a woman could be heard to be in distress in a vehicle in the Manchester area.
"Responding officers were quick to trace the suspected vehicle and a pursuit began. When the vehicle was stopped, the man was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, rape and dangerous driving.
"He remains in a Greater Manchester custody suite for questioning. The victim – a woman in her 20s – was safeguarded at the scene. Specialist officers and support agencies are working with her at this distressing time.
"He has been suspended and we have made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)."
