‘Attempted murder’ PC in court today

A SERVING police officer will appear in court today charged with the attempted murder of a woman at a Premier Inn.

Constable James Riley, 27, who works for Lancashire Constabulary, was arrested at the hotel in the centre of Manchester at 11.30pm last Thursday.

Officers were called after receiving a ‘report of a concern for the welfare of a woman’, Greater Manchester Police said.

The unnamed female, who is in her early 20s, was taken to hospital where she was treated and remains in a stable condition.

Riley was subsequently charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody.

He was also suspended by bosses at the Lancashire force and the matter referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

He is due to appear before a district judge at Manchester Magistrates Court today.

According to Lancashire Constabulary, Riley works for south division, which covers the Preston, South Ribble, Chorley, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale areas.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘James Riley, 27, a serving Lancashire police officer, has been charged with attempted murder.

‘At approximately 11.30pm on Thursday November 10, police were called to a report of a concern for the welfare of a woman at a hotel on Brook Street, Manchester. Emergency services attended and the woman was taken to hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.’

A police spokesman confirmed Riley had been charged.

He said: ‘An investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by colleagues from Greater Manchester Police. It would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.’

A spokesman for the Premier Inn said: ‘We will assist the police investigation where necessary.’