More than 1,600 cases of alleged sexual assault or domestic violence involving police officers and staff are being reviewed by the Met.

The investigation comes as serving officer PC David Carrick admitted dozens of rapes and sexual attacks on 12 women.

Carrick – known among colleagues as “Bastard Dave” – admitted 49 charges, including 24 rape counts, for crimes committed over an 18-year period.

The Metropolitan Police has revealed that 1,633 cases involving 1,071 officers and staff are to be looked at.

The Met said the accusations range from arguments to the most serious sexual crimes.

Complaints made over the last ten years are being reviewed to ensure that the proper decisions were made.

A spokesman said:

“In the event that information was to emerge from a review that raised concerns then an officer or member of staff’s status would be reconsidered without delay.

“All new allegations against officers and staff are subject to robust risk management including restrictions and suspension where appropriate.”

It comes after Downing Street said Carrick’s crimes were “appalling” and urged forces to root out criminal officers “to restore the public’s trust which has been shattered”.

And, Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the force had “failed” and Carrick “should not have been a police officer”.

Carrick, 48, had come to the attention of officers over nine previous incidents – including claims of rape and domestic violence – but nothing was done.

Carrick joined the Met in August 2001 and worked with the force’s parliamentary and diplomatic command from 2009.

The Met said Carrick was vetted in 2001 and again in 2017, and passed on both occasions.