A WEST Mercia Police officer working in South Worcestershire has been charged with rape. 

David Parsons has been charged with the alleged sex attack and is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court later today (Tuesday, July 16). 

The 28-year-old is a police constable based in the South Worcestershire Local Policing Area. 

Police said the charge relates to an incident alleged to have happened off-duty.

Parsons is currently suspended by West Mercia Police. 

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Victims of sexual offences have lifetime anonymity and it is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act to identify, whether directly or indirectly, the victim of a sexual offence.

"Due to ongoing court proceedings we will not make any further comment about the case, however, will do so when we are able when court proceedings have concluded."