A trainee police officer has been suspended from duty after being arrested on suspicion of raping and kidnapping a woman.
Greater Manchester Police said the serving officer, 23, was arrested while off duty following a pursuit involving his personal vehicle on the M62 in West Yorkshire at the weekend.
He was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, rape, and dangerous driving and remains in custody.
A force spokesperson said specialist officers and support agencies were supporting the alleged victim, who is in her 20s.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said: “This is quite clearly a deeply concerning and disturbing incident that we are fully investigating with specialist resources to ensure the victim receives support and justice.”
He said they would be working with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring this case to court as quickly as possible, as well as accelerating the necessary misconduct proceedings within the regulations.
“Thousands of the men and women in GMP work every day to protect the public. I know they, like me, will be shocked and angered by this news,” he said.
The force’s Professional Standards Directorate had conducted an initial review and found the officer’s vetting was completed without any reason for concern, he added.
“This does not, however, lessen the severity of these allegations. All necessary and decisive action will be taken in the interest of the victim and the public,” he said.
A GMP spokesperson said the pursuit followed a 999 call at 22:18 BST on Saturday 8 August where a woman could be heard to be in distress in a vehicle in the Manchester area.
Responding officers traced the suspected vehicle and a pursuit began.
The man has been suspended and the force has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).