Met Police Officer Arrested and Charged with Two Counts of Rape
PC Rupert Edwards Bailed, Suspended, and Charged
PC Rupert Edwards, from the South West Basic Command Unit, was first arrested on suspicion of rape on Monday, 5 September. He was bailed and immediately suspended from duty. Just over three months later, on Thursday, 8 December, he was arrested again on suspicion of rape.
By Friday, 9 December, Edwards was formally charged with two counts of rape. He is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later that day.
Senior Officer Responds to Alarming Allegations
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.”
Details of the Alleged Crimes
- The charges involve two women in their 20s and 30s.
- The alleged offences took place while Edwards was off duty.
- Incidents reportedly happened in Lambeth on Friday, 26 August, and Surrey on Monday, 5 September.
Both women are being supported by specially trained officers.
Official Investigations Underway
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct have been informed and are involved in the case.
