Off-duty Manchester officer arrested for kidnap and rape on M62

A 23-year-old Greater Manchester Police officer has been suspended after being arrested on suspicion of kidnap, rape, and dangerous driving. The incident began with a 999 call on Saturday evening.

GMP officer suspended after kidnap and rape arrest on M62

A 23-year-old Greater Manchester Police officer has been suspended from duty after being arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and raping a woman, Eyewitness News Bahamas reports, citing information from the force.

The arrest took place off duty following a vehicle pursuit on the M62 in West Yorkshire. Officers were responding to a 999 call logged at 22:18 BST on Saturday 8 August, after a woman was heard in distress inside a moving vehicle in the Manchester area. Responding units traced the car and initiated a pursuit.

The officer was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, rape, and dangerous driving and remains in custody. The alleged victim, a woman in her 20s, is being supported by specialist officers and dedicated support agencies, a force spokesperson confirmed.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter described the incident as "quite clearly a deeply concerning and disturbing incident" being investigated with specialist resources. He said the force would work with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring the case to court "as quickly as possible," while also accelerating misconduct proceedings within the applicable 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," Dexter said.

The force's Professional Standards Directorate carried out an initial review and found the officer's vetting had been completed without any reason for concern. Dexter stressed that finding did not diminish the seriousness of the allegations. "All necessary and decisive action will be taken in the interest of the victim and the public," he added.

Greater Manchester Police has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Source: Eyewitness News Bahamas