Policeman charged with rape bid

A policeman has been charged with attempting to rape a girl under 16.

The officer, a 47-year-old from Surrey Police, was charged with attempted rape and three other charges relating to sexual activity with the girl.

The policeman, who has been suspended from his job, was remanded in custody to appear before magistrates in Aldershot, Hampshire, on Monday.

A Surrey Police spokesman said the force would not name the man, from the west Surrey area, for legal reasons.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Commission which is managing an investigation into the case, the spokesman added.