Met Police Officer Charged with Multiple Rapes and Threats to Kill
PC Cliff Mitchell, 23, from the West Area Basic Command Unit, was charged on Thursday, 7 September with six counts of rape, one count of making threats to kill, and breaching a non-molestation order. He is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later that morning.
Disturbing Incident Unfolded in Hackbridge
The investigation began after officers were called at 1.50pm on Tuesday, 5 September, following a distress report about a woman found in Longfield Avenue near London Road, Hackbridge. The woman claimed she was attacked inside a residential property by a man she knew, who then forced her into a car.
- Urgent police inquiries revealed the suspect was a serving Metropolitan Police officer.
- Mitchell was off-duty at the time of the incident and his arrest.
Officer Suspended as Investigation Intensifies
The officer has since been suspended from duty. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “These are horrific allegations and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers. Officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, who specialise in domestic abuse and sexual offences, are conducting a thorough investigation. This is an active case and enquiries continue at pace.”
He added, “The arrest of a serving police officer on such serious charges is extremely concerning and will cause significant worry among London’s communities. I share those concerns and have made an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
