A serving Met Police officer has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in Westminster

The police constable, who is attached to the local policing team in central London, was arrested in Villiers Street at around 4am on Tuesday, 16 January 2024.

He was later bailed pending further enquiries until a date in March.

Our professional standards unit had been informed and the officer has been placed on restricted duties.

He will not have any face-to-face contact with the public or any involvement in sexual assault investigations while the investigation is carried out.

He was off-duty at the time of the alleged offence.

Chief Superintendent Louise Puddefoot, local policing commander for central London, said: “I recognise an allegation against a serving officer will cause significant concern and I would like to reassure the public that we have taken immediate action to investigate the allegation against him.

It would be inappropriate to comment further while these enquiries continue.”