The abuse of power shown by rapist PC David Carrick is “absolutely despicable” and urgent action must be taken, the prime minister has told the head of the Met Police.

Rishi Sunak said he’d had “constructive” talks with Sir Mark Rowley and “made clear to him – and he agrees – that the abuse of power that we’ve seen this week is absolutely despicable and it needs to be addressed immediately”.

Carrick who was with London police for more than 20 years – was found to be one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders after he admitted dozens of rapes and sexual offences following attacks on 12 women.

Mr Sunak said all police forces had been asked to see if anyone of concern had managed to slip through vetting procedures and that checks had been “strengthened” in the last few years.

He said the government was ensuring that every force now has “best in class” vetting in place.

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