A detective constable serving with the Metropolitan Police in South London has pleaded guilty to a number of child sex crimes, the Met confirmed this evening (Wednesday, January 27).

Detective Constable Mark Collins, 57, is attached to the Met’s South Area Command Unit in South London, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier today.

There he pleaded guilty to a number of child sex offences, including one count of attempting to cause/incite a girl aged 13–15 to engage in sexual activity (with penetration).

He also pleaded guilty to six counts of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child.

The Met Police statement on Collins said the offences are alleged to have occurred between 4 November 2019 and 26 November 2019.

It added that the South London DC "was on duty while some of the offences were alleged to have occurred".

"The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards is aware and misconduct proceedings are ongoing. He is currently suspended.

"He will be sentenced at the Central Criminal Court on a date to be confirmed," a spokesperson said.