Lostprophets released their first album in 2001
Lostprophets released their first album in 2001

Ian Watkins, the lead singer of Welsh rock group Lostprophets, has been charged with sexual offences against children, South Wales Police have said.

Watkins, 35, has been charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children.

He is due to appear at Cardiff magistrates court to face the charges.

Two woman, aged 20 and 24 from Doncaster and Bedford respectively, have also been charged with similar offences.

Detective Inspector Peter Doyle, the senior investigating officer, said: "Specially-trained staff are available to speak to anyone with concerns or information regarding this investigation and a dedicated telephone number has been set up.

"I want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us.

"Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."

Anyone with any information concerning this investigation is asked to contact the Operation Globe incident room on: 0800 056 0154; or NSPCC on 0800 389 5347 or 00 44 207 158 0011 if overseas.

Lostprophets formed in 1997 and have gone to to sell more than 3 million records worldwide.