LIVE: GMP student officer arrested on suspicion of rape and kidnap after M62 pursuit

LIVE UPDATES — This story is being updated as further confirmed information becomes available.

18:50 — Greater Manchester Police says it is committed to working with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring the case to court as quickly as possible, while also accelerating misconduct proceedings within police regulations. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said the allegations were deeply concerning and disturbing and said all necessary and decisive action would be taken in the interests of the woman and the public.

GMP has confirmed its Professional Standards Directorate carried out an initial review of the officer's vetting and found it had been completed without any reason for concern. The force stressed that this did not lessen the severity of the allegations.

18:42 — Rochdale Daily moved this breaking story to live coverage. We will add confirmed developments from Greater Manchester Police, the Independent Office for Police Conduct and other authoritative sources as they emerge.

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

A 23-year-old Greater Manchester Police student officer has been arrested on suspicion of rape and kidnap following a police pursuit on the M62.

The officer was off duty when a 999 call was received shortly before 10.20pm on Saturday. Police said a woman in her 20s could be heard in distress in a vehicle in the Manchester area.

Officers traced the suspect's personal vehicle and began a pursuit. The pursuit continued onto the M62 before the officer was detained in West Yorkshire.

The 23-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape, kidnap and dangerous driving. GMP says he has been suspended from duty and remains in custody for questioning.

The woman is being supported by specialist officers and other agencies.

Greater Manchester Police has made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Internal misconduct proceedings are also being progressed.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said thousands of GMP officers and staff who work to protect the public would be shocked and angered by the allegations. He said specialist resources had been assigned to the investigation and gave a commitment that the force would work with prosecutors as the criminal investigation progresses.

The allegations have not been proven. An arrest does not amount to a finding of guilt and the officer is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until convicted. This live page will be updated when further information is confirmed.