A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with multiple sex offences including rape.

Pc Dion Arnold was charged with four counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault following an investigation by Surrey Police.

The charges relate to a report made earlier this year and to offences that allegedly happened while Arnold, who is attached to South West Command Unit, was off duty.

Arnold, who was arrested by the Surrey force on March 29, attended Guildford magistrates’ court on March 31 and was remanded in custody to next appear at Guildford Crown Court on May 1.

The Met said: “The charges relate to a report made earlier this year, and conduct while PC Dion Arnold was off duty.

“The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.

“PC Dion Arnold is currently suspended from duty.”