A serving officer for Essex police has been charged with multiple child sex offences. 

38-year-old Mark Ling, of Ipswich, was arrested in September in connection with an investigation into alleged online interactions with girls under the age of 16 and an adult. 

He was due to appear before Suffolk Magistrates Court on Wednesday, October 30.

He was charged with eight counts of sexual communications with a child, two counts of cyberflashing, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. 

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Chief superintendent Scott Egerton, who is overseeing the investigation for Essex Police, said: "We police without fear or favour and where an alleged crime takes place, we will investigate regardless of who is involved. 

"Tackling violence against women and girls is an absolute priority for Essex Police and we take all allegations very seriously.

"These are serious allegations and it is absolutely right that we investigate them and support those involved. 

"It is really important that this case is able to proceed without the risk of prejudice. I would urge against the publication of anything which could impact this investigation and ongoing legal proceedings."

Ling has been suspended and the matter has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct. 

Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation can report it by calling 0800 096 1011 or by using a specially set up portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020124R29-PO2