Cop Charged with Two Counts of Rape After Shocking Arrest
PC Rupert Edwards, a 29-year-old officer attached to the South West Basic Command Unit, was first arrested on suspicion of rape on Monday, 5 September. He was promptly bailed and suspended from duty.
Second Arrest and Charges Follow
Just over three months later, on Thursday, 8 December, Edwards was arrested again on suspicion of rape. The very next day, Friday, 9 December, he was formally charged with two counts of rape.
Edwards appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the same day. He was remanded and is due back at Inner 1 Crown Court on Friday, 6 January 2023.
Serious Allegations and Police Response
The alleged offences involve two women aged in their 20s and 30s. The incidents are said to have taken place while Edwards was off duty – once in Epsom, Surrey, on Friday, 26 August, and again in Lambeth on Monday, 5 September.
Both women are receiving support from specially trained officers.
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. Legal proceedings are now active and it is important that I do not comment while that process takes place.”
Investigation and Oversight Underway
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have both been notified of the case. The investigation continues amid growing public concern over police misconduct.
