Greater Manchester Police have charged a student officer with the rape and kidnap of a woman in Manchester while off-duty over the weekend.

The charges have been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service following a GMP investigation.

Mohammad Hassan (23), of Asian-Pakistani ethnicity, has been remanded in custody. He has been suspended by the force.

He will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (11 August) accused of the following offences:

• Oral Rape
• Kidnap
• Strangulation
• Sexual Assault
• Theft of mobile phone
• Dangerous Driving

The charges relate to reports made to GMP on the evening of Saturday 8 August which ended in a police pursuit on the M62 in West Yorkshire.

A woman was safeguarded at the scene and continues to be supported by specialist officers and support services.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said: “GMP detectives and staff have been working on this investigation throughout the last 48 hours to ensure charges are brought in this case.

“The victim is our priority, and we are ensuring she continues to receive specialist support. Criminal proceedings must now take its course without interference.

“I understand, and share, the feeling among the public and our thousands of hard-working, decent staff who will have seen this news. Proceedings are underway and necessary action will be decisively taken within the regulations.”