A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with seven counts of rape.

PC Michael Graham, 47, who works in the London borough of Hounslow, has been suspended.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 24 December 2013 and 2 September 2014 while the officer was off-duty.

He is also accused of one count of assault.

Graham was arrested at his home on 6 October and charged the following day, Scotland Yard says.

He is due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on 21 October.

The Directorate of Professional Standards has also been informed.