A student police officer has been charged on suspicion of rape and kidnap.
Mohammad Hassan, 23, serving with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), was detained while off duty in West Yorkshire after a chase down the M62 on Saturday.
A 999 call had been received shortly before 10.20pm, in which a woman could be heard in distress in a vehicle in the Manchester area, according to GMP.
Officers traced Hassan’s vehicle and pursued him, leading to his arrest.
On Monday evening, he was charged with a slew of offences, including rape, kidnap, strangulation, sexual assault, theft and dangerous driving.
Hassan was remanded in custody and due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
He has been suspended by GMP.
Specialist officers and various agencies are supporting the complainant, who is in her 20s.
A student police officer serving with Greater Manchester Police has been charged with rape and kidnap (stock image)
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said: ‘GMP detectives and staff have been working on this investigation throughout the last 48 hours to ensure charges are brought in this case.
‘The victim is our priority, and we are ensuring she continues to receive specialist support. Criminal proceedings must now take its course without interference.
‘I understand, and share, the feeling among the public and our thousands of hard-working, decent staff who will have seen this news. Proceedings are underway and necessary action will be decisively taken within the regulations.’
Before charges were laid, he said: ‘This is quite clearly a deeply concerning and disturbing incident that we are fully investigating with specialist resources to ensure the victim receives support and justice.
‘I can give our full commitment to working with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring this case to court as quickly as possible, as well as accelerating the necessary misconduct proceedings within the regulations.
‘Thousands of the men and women in GMP work every day to protect the public. I know they, like me, will be shocked and angered by this news.
‘Our Professional Standards Directorate has conducted an initial review and found his vetting was completed without any reason for concern. This does not, however, lessen the severity of these allegations.
‘All necessary and decisive action will be taken in the interest of the victim and the public.’
The matter has also been referred by GMP to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
