A SERVING Cheshire Police officer has been charged with stalking offences and is due to appear at crown court next week.

Inspector Michelle Boyd, who works in the force's Western area, was arrested at Northwich Police Station on December 29 last year after allegations were made against her.

The 50-year-old, of Hartford, was suspended from duty, and remains so, while the matter was investigated.

Now Boyd has been charged with two counts of stalking involving serious alarm and distress, as well as one count of assault by beating.

A second woman - 46-year-old Zoe Wallace, of Oakmere - has also been charged with two counts of stalking involving serious alarm and distress in relation to the same case.

The pair appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 13, and were released on bail.

They will now appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, September 10.

Cheshire Police's Western area includes Northwich, Winsford, Chester and Ellesmere Port.