Met Police Officer Arrested and Charged with Two Counts of Rape
PC Rupert Edwards Held Over Serious Allegations
PC Rupert Edwards, a South West Basic Command Unit officer, was first arrested on suspicion of rape on Monday, 5 September. He was immediately suspended and later bailed. On Thursday, 8 December, Edwards was arrested again, facing further rape allegations. The following day, Friday 9 December, he was formally charged with two counts of rape.
Offences Allegedly Took Place While Off-Duty
The charges involve two women, aged in their 20s and 30s. The alleged incidents happened in Lambeth on Friday, 26 August, and in Surrey on Monday, 5 September, both while Edwards was off duty. The victims are currently receiving support from specially trained officers.
Met Police Responds to Shocking Claims
Commander Jon Savell, head 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.”
He added, “Legal proceedings are now active and it is important that I do not comment while that process takes place.”
Investigations Underway
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct have been notified of the case. PC Edwards is due to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 9 December.
