A SERVING police officer has been charged with Misconduct in a Public Office.

PC Ihsan Ali, 39, who works as a response officer in East Lancashire, is alleged to have had inappropriate contact with female victims of crime.

The offence is alleged to have taken place between April 1, 2016, and April 7, 2017.

PC Ali, who has been suspended by Lancashire Police, has been bailed to appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court on July 27.

A police spokesman said: "PC Ihsan Ali, 39, who is based in East division, was arrested in April following an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department.

"PC Ali has been charged with the offence of Misconduct in a Public Office which relates to allegations of inappropriate contact with female victims of crime."