A female police community support officer has been charged with deliberately stabbing herself in order to claim compensation for her injuries.

Olivia Morphew, 24, reported being knifed during an attack in Esher, Surrey, in June 2022.

She will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, September 12, charged with perverting the course of justice, fraud and possession of a knife in a public place.

It’s alleged that PCSO Morphew stabbed herself and subsequently submitted a compensation claim for her injuries.

The charges follow an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

A spokesman said: 'Our investigation began following a conduct referral from the force in July 2022.

'After concluding our investigation in April 2023, we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised the charges.'