A police officer has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
He was a serving Durham Police officer at the time of the arrest earlier this month, the force said.
A spokesperson said the officer was immediately suspended and had since been released on bail.
A criminal investigation has been launched by the force's Professional Standards Department.
The BBC has asked the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) if it is investigating.
Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.