POLICE are taking an allegation against a member of their workforce 'extremely seriously' but have declined to give further details at such an early stage of the investigation.

The Worcester News asked whether West Mercia Police had taken any internal disciplinary against the member of staff and whether an arrest was pending but a force spokesperson said they were not able to give any more information at this stage.

A force spokesperson said: "West Mercia Police has received an allegation of rape from a member of the public against a member of our workforce.

"Please be assured that we are taking this allegation extremely seriously and have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances. Please remember that this investigation is in its early stages and and we cannot comment further at this point.

"No arrest has been made.

"Please be aware that we will not confirm or deny the identity of anyone who is the subject of an allegation. This is in line with ACPO guidance and complies with Lord Justice Leveson's advice that 'save in exceptional circumstances the names or identifying details of those who are arrested or suspected of a crime should not be released'."