An Essex Police officer has been charged with seven counts of sexual assaults.

Pc Neil Culham, based in Clacton-on-Sea, was arrested in February following allegations made by two women that they had been touched in an inappropriate sexual manner on separate occasions between August 2012 and January 2013.

Essex Police’s Professional Standards Department launched an investigation, supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The 40-year-old Essex officer, who is currently suspended from duty, was charged on Friday with seven counts of sexual touching and one count of perverting the course of justice.

He was released on police bail prior to his appearance at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on September 2.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Essex Police wish to reassure members of the public that these matters are treated very seriously.

“Essex Police would like to encourage anyone with further information regarding this case, or concerns of a similar nature, to come forward. All such matters will be dealt with in strictest confidence by our Professional Standards Department.”