Actor Michael Ward accused of rape and sexual assault

Actor Michael Ward , known for series such as 'Top Boy' and 'Small Axe', has been charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault against a woman allegedly committed in January 2023, London's Metropolitan Police (Met) reported on Friday.

Ward, 27, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England, is due to appear in London court on August 28, the Met said.

"Our specialist officers are providing support to the woman who has come forward. We know that investigations of this nature can have a significant impact on those who come forward," said Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who is leading the case.

Born in Jamaica and raised in the UK, Ward won the BAFTA Award for Emerging Star in 2020 and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series in 2021 for his role in 'Small Axe'.

He has also appeared in films such as 'Blue Story' and 'Empire of Light' in 2022 - which earned him another BAFTA film nomination - and will next appear in 'Eddington' .