Rotherham police officer charged with rape to appear at court

PC Rowan Horrocks (26) of Curlew Rise, Thorpe Hesley, who was based on a response team, is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today.

The charges relate to a report that a woman was raped in South Yorkshire on 28 November 2021.

The officer was not on duty at the time of the alleged offences.

South Yorkshire Police said Horrocks was currently suspended from duties and internal misconduct proceedings were underway alongside the court process.

Supt Delphine Waring, head of the force’s Professional Standards Department, said: “I know how understandably concerned our communities will be about this matter.

“I’d like to give my full assurance to the public that reports of this nature against one of our officers are treated incredibly seriously by the force.

“We remain committed to being as open as possible about the professional standards of South Yorkshire Police.

“Any officers who are found not to reflect the values and high standards of our organisation will be dealt with as swiftly and robustly as possible.”