Durham Police officer in court over sex offences

Mohammed Perwaze appeared before Peterlee Magistrates' Court

A Durham Police officer has appeared in court charged with a string of offences, including four rapes.

Mohammed Perwaze is accused of 19 offences, including five of indecent assault, three counts of actual bodily harm and controlling behaviour.

The 45-year-old, from Hury in County Durham, was remanded in custody at Peterlee Magistrates' Court.

He will appear at Durham Crown Court on 4 January. A force spokesman said the officer has been suspended.

Ch Supt Jane Spraggon added: "Durham Constabulary takes all alleged offences of this nature extremely seriously.

"As soon as we were made aware of the allegations we acted immediately."