A French police officer has been formally accused of rape and sexual assault after an alleged incident involving a British woman who was reportedly intoxicated and restrained.

The 37-year-old victim, whose identity remains protected, was reportedly apprehended by three officers and then subjected to a distressing experience inside a patrol van last week.

According to reports, she was staying at a hotel in Aubagne, near Marseille, when law enforcement was called on the evening of September 10. An investigating source mentioned, “The woman was highly intoxicated and causing a disturbance, leading to her being handcuffed and taken into custody.”

The woman was placed in a police van by a three-person police team en route to a police station in La Ciotat to sober up.

One of the officers allegedly kissed and sexually assaulted the woman during the journey, taking advantage of her restrained state. Following the victim’s complaint the next day, the three officers were arrested. Subsequently, the two officers in question were charged, while the third officer, who was driving, is considered a witness in the case.

The main suspect, a police officer in his 50s, faces charges of rape and sexual assault through abuse of authority. He is in custody awaiting trial, while the other officer has been charged with failing to prevent a crime against a person’s physical integrity and has been released under supervision.

The British woman has provided detailed statements and undergone a medical examination. Although she can return to the UK, she is likely to participate in the trial in France.

A colleague of the accused officer expressed surprise, noting, “We are all shocked. He is an experienced officer with no prior misconduct.”

All officers involved deny any wrongdoing, asserting that the CCTV footage has been misinterpreted. Apart from the ongoing investigation by prosecutors and judicial police, a specialized police misconduct unit is also looking into the alleged assault.