Met Police Officer Arrested and Charged with Two Counts of Rape
PC Rupert Edwards Suspended and Charged
PC Rupert Edwards, attached to the South West Basic Command Unit, was first arrested on suspicion of rape on Monday, 5 September. He was immediately suspended from duty and bailed.
Just over three months later, on Thursday, 8 December, Edwards was arrested again on suspicion of another rape. The following day, Friday, 9 December, he was formally charged with two counts of rape.
He is due to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 9 December.
Met Commander Condemns Officer’s Actions
“This news is deeply worrying and I recognise the concern it will cause the public and other police officers,” said Commander Jon Savell, head of the Met’s professionalism command. “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 Offences
- The charges involve two women aged in their 20s and 30s.
- The alleged offences happened while Edwards was off-duty: in Lambeth on Friday, 26 August, and in Surrey on Monday, 5 September.
- Both victims are receiving support from specially trained officers.
Investigations Underway
The Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct have been informed and are investigating the matter.
