A police officer investigating cases of rape and sexual assault in Camden has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

The officer, part of the Sapphire Command which investigates sexual offences in Camden and Islington, was arrested in east London this morning (Friday, June 8) and is currently in custody.

Police said they were currently reviewing 63 cases - 26 live and 37 complete - in which he played a role and all live investigations had been assigned to new officers.

An investigation was opened in May by the Metropolitan Police Service Directorate of Professional Standards after management was alerted that there may be inaccuracies in some of the officer’s crime reports.

He was suspended on May 18, but due to “recent significant developments” in the investigation, a decision was taken to arrest him.

Police said victims in the Sapphire cases under investigation are being contacted and two have already been spoken to.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission began its own independent investigation today (Friday, June 8).

A statement released by the IPCC said: “The Independent Police Complaints Commission is independently investigating allegations that a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer serving on the Sapphire Unit falsified entries on the crime report system in relation to the submission of exhibits, advice from the CPS and authority from senior officers to make charging decisions.

“The MPS made a referral on 16 May and the IPCC decided to manage an investigation by the MPS Department of Professional Standards.

“Following today’s (Friday, June 8) developments and further information which has come to light in the investigation, the IPCC has informed the MPS that the matter will now be independently investigated by the IPCC.

“The investigation is at an early stage and we hope to release further information in due course.”

Victims from Camden concerned about their investigations should call the Sapphire unit on 020 7421 0282.