A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged by Essex Police for the rape of a woman in 2009.

Pc Jordan Pascal, of the Met’s Taskforce, was charged on February 2 with the rape of a woman in 2009.

The officer joined the Met Police in June 2012 but was suspended from duty according to Scotland Yard.

Pascal is due to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 13.

News Shopper: (PA) Sir Mark Rowley warned that there could be two to three officers a week facing trial for crimes involving violence towards women(PA) Sir Mark Rowley warned that there could be two to three officers a week facing trial for crimes involving violence towards women (Image: PA)

Chief Superintendent Clair Smart, who leads the Met's Taskforce command, said of the charge: "Pc Pascal has been suspended and criminal proceedings will now follow.

“While I recognise the inevitable strength of public feeling, it is important that nothing is said that will put those proceedings at risk.”

This comes after several officers have been accused of similar crimes, including David Carrick who was recently jailed for life after pleading guilty to 85 serious offences.

The Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley previously warned that there could be two to three officers a week facing trial for crimes involving violence towards women and dishonesty.

He vowed to crack down on this problem as well as corruption and poor standards of behaviour within the service.

However, he added that this would be s slow and 'painful' process.