A Kent Police officer is due to appear in court to face claims he abused his position by pursuing a sexual relationship with a witness.

PC Matthew Peall, 45, who is attached to East Division and based at Canterbury Police Station, is accused of misconduct in a public office (MIPO) following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Between October and December 2019, the officer is alleged to have pursued an inappropriate relationship with a witness during the course of an investigation in Canterbury.

The IOPC's investigation started a few months later in February 2020 after the force referred itself to the independent body.

In February 2021, the IOPC then completed its investigation and sent its final report and a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charge.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.