Police detective charged with intentional strangulation

A serving police detective has been charged with controlling behaviour and strangulation.

Det Sgt Karl Ralph, 48, of Thames Valley Police, is accused of one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of intentional strangulation.

Based at the force's Headquarters South in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, he is currently suspended from duty, a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.

He is set to appear at Luton Magistrates' Court on Thursday.