Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has been remanded in custody after appearing in court to face child sex abuse allegations.

Watkins, 35, from Pontypridd, is alleged to have conspired with another woman to rape a one-year-old girl, Cardiff magistrates heard.

He also stands accused of two incidents of conspiring to engage in sexual touching with two young children; and possessing and making and distributing indecent images.

Watkins is also accused of possessing "extreme" animal pornography.

His lawyer, Tom Crowther, said the singer will be denying the charges.

Watkins, along with two women aged 20 and 24 who cannot be named for legal reasons, are due to appear before Cardiff crown court on 31 December.

The 24-year-old has been charged with the same offences as Watkins, while the 20-year-old woman is charged with five of the same offences but not conspiracy to rape.

DI 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 the NSPCC on 0800 389 5347 or 00 44 207 158 0011 if overseas.

Lostprophets formed in 1997 and have sold more than 3.5 million records worldwide.

Lostprophets Respond to Singer Ian Watkins' Rape Conspiracy Charges