Weston-super-Mare police officer charged with stalking

The student officer has been suspended since the allegations were made

A serving police officer has been charged with stalking.

Oliver Hampson, 24, who is based in Weston-super-Mare, was charged following allegations made in January this year. He is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates' Court later.

Mr Hampson, a student officer, was arrested on 2 February and suspended from duty by Avon and Somerset Police.

An investigation is also being carried out by the force's Professional Standards Department.

The parallel investigation will focus on whether any standards of professional behaviour were breached.

Supt Lisa Simpson said: "We know the fact a serious criminal charge has been brought against a serving officer will be of great concern to the public.

"We'd like to reassure our communities that an investigation was launched as soon as the allegations were made, resulting in the officer being arrested and suspended from duty."

Mr Hampson was later charged with one count of stalking.

"We're unable to go into further details at this stage as we cannot risk prejudicing the ongoing criminal proceedings," Supt Simpson added.