A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with two counts of rape. 

Pc Rupert Edwards is alleged to have carried out the offences in Epsom, Surrey, on August 26 and in Lambeth on September 5, while he was off-duty.

On Friday, December 9, he was charged with two counts of rape. 

The charges are related to two women aged in their 20s and 30s who are being supported by specially trained officers. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Edwards is due to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday, 9 December. 

Head of the Met's professionalism command, Commander Jon Savell said: "This news is deeply worrying and I recognise the concern it will cause the public and other police officers.

"We took immediate action to suspend PC Edwards from duty when he was first arrested in September.

"Legal proceedings are now active and it is important that I do not comment while that process takes place."

The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct have been informed.