Cheshire police officer charged with rape

A serving Cheshire police officer has been charged following a police investigation into an allegation of rape.

Ian Naude, 29, of Market Drayton in Shropshire has been charged with rape.

He appeared at South Cheshire Magistrates Court on Monday, 6 November where he was remanded into custody to appear before Chester Crown Court on Monday, 4 December.

The rape charge relates to an incident reported to officers on Friday, 3 November in Crewe. The victim is a 13-year-old girl and she is receiving specialist care and support.

As soon as concerns were raised officers took immediate action to investigate the allegation and an arrest was made on Saturday, 4 November.

Naude was served a suspension notice after being charged on Sunday, 5 November.

As a matter of course Cheshire Constabulary has referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Cheshire Police take all allegations of rape extremely seriously and has specialist trained officers available to provide support. Anyone who has been a victim of this type of crime is urged to contact police.