Police officer is charged with rape and sexual assault

A police officer has been charged with rape and assault.

The 55-year-old senior officer, from far north Queensland, has been charged with four counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

The facts are said to have occurred while he was off duty.

The suspected victim is known to the officer.

The officer is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrate Court on March 21 and has been suspended.