A serving officer of Bedfordshire Police has appeared in court facing charges of child abduction and arranging the sexual exploitation of a child.

PC Elliot Wright, aged 29, who served as a roads policing officer and has now been suspended from duty, appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court today.

The charges stem from an incident where Wright was apprehended in Bedfordshire on Thursday night following reports expressing concern for a teenage girl. Fortunately, the girl has been safely safeguarded.

In addition to the charges of child abduction and arranging sexual exploitation, PC Wright also faces an allegation of misconduct in public office.

Following his appearance in court, Wright was remanded into custody until his next hearing, scheduled to take place at St Albans Crown Court on April 23.

Given the gravity of the allegations, the matter has been referred to another police force for an independent investigation. Furthermore, it has been forwarded to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for further review.

The Bedfordshire Police force has affirmed its commitment to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism and assured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that justice is served in this matter.