A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with six counts of rape and making threats to kill after he allegedly attacked a woman and forced her into a car. 

PC Cliff Mitchell, 23, of Toland Square in Putney, will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, September 7). 

An investigation was launched after a call to police at 1.50pm on Tuesday (September 5) by a member of the public who found a woman in distress on Longfield Avenue in Hackbridge. 

Officers were told that the woman had been attacked inside a residential property by a man who forced her into a car. 

The woman and the man were known to each other and enquiries established that the suspect was a serving Met Police officer. 

PC Mitchell is charged with six counts of rape ranging from 2020 to 2023, all said to have taken place in Croydon. 

He is also charged with breaching a non-molestation order and making threats to kill. 

PC Mitchell has been suspended from duty and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. 

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: "These are horrific allegations and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers. 

"Officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards are investigating. They are highly experienced detectives specialising in investigating domestic abuse and sexual offences. 

“This is an active investigation and enquiries continue at pace. 

“The arrest of a serving police officer on suspicion of such serious offences is extremely concerning and I recognise will cause considerable concern among London’s communities. I share those concerns and have made an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."