A Thames Valley Police constable charged with engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl has been refused bail by a district judge.

Luke Christopher Horner, based in Amersham in Buckinghamshire, is alleged to have travelled to Northamptonshire to commit the offence, and a linked charge of making an indecent image of a child.

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A 25-minute hearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Friday heard that the charges against the 24-year-old officer were brought following an incident in Rushden last Sunday.

Horner made a bail application before a district judge, who appeared by video-link, but was remanded in custody to appear at Northampton Crown Court on July 27.

In a statement, the Thames Valley force said the charges had been brought “in connection with an incident while off duty.”

The force’s statement added: “The officer was suspended from duty on Thursday and will be subject to a separate misconduct investigation.

“The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been informed.

“We are not in a position to comment further at this time, due to this being a live investigation.”

The IOPC is a non-departmental public body in England and Wales which, since January 8, 2018, is responsible for overseeing the system for handling complaints made against police forces in England and Wales.

It investigates the most serious and sensitive incidents and allegations.