A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been suspended from duty after appearing in court charged with serious offences by Hertfordshire Constabulary.

PC Jake Cummings, who is attached to Central West Command, appeared in custody at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 23 February. He faces charges including rape, two counts of stalking, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, and possession of an offensive weapon.

He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at St Alban’s Crown Court on Tuesday, 26 March.

The charges stem from alleged incidents involving a single victim, which occurred while PC Cummings was off duty.

The Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed of the situation.

The Metropolitan Police Service takes all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and is committed to ensuring that any officer found to have breached standards of professional behavior faces appropriate action.