A serving Cheshire police officer has been charged following a police investigation into the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl.

Ian Naude, 29, of Market Drayton in Shropshire, appeared at South Cheshire Magistrates Court on Monday (November 6) and has been remanded in custody to appear before Chester Crown Court on Monday, December 4.

The rape charge relates to an incident that was reported to officers on Friday (November 3) in Crewe. The alleged victim is receiving specialist care and support.

As soon as concerns were raised officers took immediate action to investigate the allegation and Naude was arrested the following day. He was served a suspension notice from Cheshire Police after being charged on Sunday.

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

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