This follows an investigation into an incident alleged to have taken place in Grays in 2022. Harry Croot, 29, formerly of Essex Police, is charged with rape, while Charlie Raeside, 29, a Met officer, is charged with rape, intentional suffocation, and failing to disclose a phone PIN code when lawfully required to do so. Both men, from Witham, were arrested in September 2024 and appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, August 5). Croot was suspended after his arrest and dismissed from Essex Police in January 2025 for unrelated misconduct. The investigation was led by Essex Police’s Public Protection Investigations Unit, with specialist officers supporting a woman who came forward to report the alleged incident.