A Manitoba RCMP officer has been charged with assault after an investigation into child abuse.

The force's major crimes unit investigated the officer, who has seven years of service, after receiving a complaint he was abusing his children, RCMP say.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, which investigates all serious incidents involving police officers in the province, reviewed and monitored the investigation.

On Wednesday, the officer was charged with assault and assault with a weapon in relation to abuse that happened from 2010 to 2016, RCMP said.

"We hold our officers accountable for their actions," Chief Supt. Mark Fisher said in a news release.

The officer has been suspended with pay and a code of conduct internal investigation has also been initiated.

The name and detachment of the officer and the number of children involved are not being released to protect the identity of the victims, RCMP said.