STUDENT POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH RAPE AND KIDNAPPING IN MANCHESTER

Mohammad Hassan, a 23-year-old student police officer, has been charged with rape, kidnapping and other offences following reports made to Greater Manchester Police on Saturday evening. Hassan has been charged with oral rape, kidnap, strangulation, sexual assault, theft of a mobile phone and dangerous driving. A 999 call was received shortly before 10.20pm in which a woman could be heard in distress in a vehicle in the Manchester area. Hassan has been suspended by the force and is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The woman made contact with emergency services whilst in a vehicle, leading to a police pursuit that ended on the M62 motorway in West Yorkshire. A woman was safeguarded at the scene and continues to receive specialist support from officers and support services. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said that Greater Manchester Police detectives and staff had worked throughout the preceding 48 hours to bring charges in the case. Dexter stated that the victim remained the force's priority and that criminal proceedings must proceed without interference.

The force acknowledged the reaction of the public and its workforce to the charges. Dexter said that necessary action would be taken decisively within regulations. Criminal proceedings are now under way.