Man charged with rape and kidnap of schoolgirl

Kadian Nelson, 26, was arrested on Tuesday night after police urged him to hand himself in for his own safety.

Kadian Nelson has been charged with rape in Mitcham (PA)

A man has been charged with rape and kidnap of a teenage girl in south-west London.

Kadian Nelson, 26, was arrested on Tuesday night after police urged him to hand himself in for his own safety after social media footage showed people apparently trying to locate him at various addresses.

It came after the teenage girl was allegedly raped in the North Place area of Mitcham, near Colliers Wood, shortly after 7am on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said the young woman and her family are being supported by specialist officers. Her age has not been released.

Nelson, from the Mitcham area, is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

(PA)

Police thanked the media and public for sharing their appeals, but asked people “to be mindful of sharing information via social media that could identify the alleged victim, or affect any potential future proceedings”.  

A Section 60 Order authorised for the entirety of the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, granting police additional stop and search powers, as a result of fears of serious violence was put in place.

Any witnesses or those who have information that could assist police are asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference 1063/03Nov.