A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been remanded in custody after being charged with rape.

PC Adam Zaman, who is based on the East Area Command Unit, was charged by City of London Police earlier today.

The 28-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this afternoon and has been remanded in custody until his next hearing on 24 November at Central Criminal Court.

During the 15-minute hearing, Zaman spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address.

He denies the allegation put forward by prosecutor Jonathan Bryan.

The charge relates to an incident that is alleged to have taken place in the City of London on Sunday, when Zaman was off-duty.

He was then arrested the following day.

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and Zaman has been suspended.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Trevers, policing commander for the East Area Command Unit, said the force “acted swiftly” when the allegation was reported.

He said: “I recognise that the public will be concerned to hear that a serving police officer has been charged with such a serious offence.

“We absolutely share that concern.

“We acted swiftly when this allegation was reported to us and have fully supported what continues to be a thorough investigation by detectives from the City of London Police.

“Specialist support is being provided to the complainant.

“PC Zaman has now been charged and it is important that criminal proceedings are allowed to take their course.

“Nothing should be said or reported which could put the integrity of those proceedings at risk.”

The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.