Student cop, 23, arrested for ‘kidnapping and raping woman in her 20s’ following police chase on motorway

A 23-YEAR-OLD student police officer has been arrested on suspicion of rape and kidnap after a frantic police chase on a major motorway. The cop, serving with Greater Manchester Police, was detained in West Yorkshire on Saturday while off duty after the pursuit on the M62. A 999 call had been received shortly before 10.20pm in which a woman in her 20s could be heard “in distress” in a vehicle in the Manchester area, said the force. Officers traced the suspect’s personal vehicle and began a pursuit. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The 23-year-old student cop was then arrested on suspicion of rape, kidnap and dangerous driving, added police. The officer, who has been suspended, remains in custody for questioning. Specialist officers and various agencies are supporting the woman, who is in her 20s. The force has made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), GMP said. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter 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. Most read in The Sun “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).