A police community support officer (PCSO) is set to appear in court accused of deliberately stabbing herself in an alleged attempt to file a fraudulent compensation claim.

Olivia Morphew, 24, claimed she was attacked and knifed while on duty in Esher, Surrey, in June 2022. However, after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), it is alleged that the incident was staged.

Morphew has been charged with perverting the course of justice, fraud, and possession of a bladed article in a public place. She will face these charges at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The allegations centre around claims that Morphew inflicted the wounds herself before submitting a compensation claim for her injuries. The IOPC launched their investigation in July 2022, following a conduct referral from the police force. After their inquiry concluded in April 2023, the case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, who subsequently authorised the charges.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Our investigation began following a conduct referral from the force in July 2022. After concluding our investigation in April 2023, we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised the charges.”

This case has sparked significant interest as Morphew was initially believed to have been the victim of a violent crime, but is now facing serious charges herself.