A FORMER West Mercia Police officer has been charged with misconduct in public office.

Former PC Mark Cranfield, 50, has also been charged with three counts of computer misuse.

The officer is alleged to have attempted to pursue an inappropriate sexual or emotional relationship with a woman victim of a crime he had met through his duties.

He is also alleged to have accessed police systems for information without a policing purpose.

READ MORE: 'Snakes' bite dogs on 'The Rec' Claines Recreation Ground

The charges arise from an IOPC investigation following a referral about the officer’s conduct from West Mercia Police in July 2021.

The IOPC said that he had been suspended by West Mercia Police and has also now PC resigned from the force.

On completion of the investigation last year, the IOPC sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service which has since authorised the criminal charges.

READ MORE: Droitwich fire at the Holloway caused by 'unattended cooking'

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "A former West Mercia Police officer has been charged with misconduct in a public office.

"Mark Cranfield, 50, who was a PC based at Ludlow Police Station, is due to appear at Worcester Magistrates' Court on 1 June.

"The charge follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

"As soon as the allegations came to light the officer was suspended.

To ensure court proceedings can now progress without prejudice, West Mercia Police will not comment further at this stage however will do so when we are able to on the conclusion of court proceedings."