Lostprophets release a statement about lead singer's arrest for sexual offences

Members of the Welsh band Lostprophets have said they are 'in a state of shock' after lead singer Ian Watkins was charged with offences including conspiracy to rape a one-year-old girl

Members of the Welsh band Lostprophets have said they are 'in a state of shock' after lead singer Ian Watkins was charged with offences including conspiracy to rape a one-year-old girl

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Frontman Ian Watkins has been charged with six offences, including conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child under 13, four offences relating to possession and distribution of indecent images of children (and possessing 'extreme' animal pornography) and conspiracy to rape a one-year-old girl.

The band's five other members, Jamie Oliver, Lee Gaze, Luke Johnson, Mike Lewis and Stuart Richardson, have taken down all content on the Lostprophets website, replacing it with the following statement:

'Following charges made today against Ian Watkins, we find ourselves in a state of shock.

We are learning about the details of the investigation along with you. It is a difficult time for us and our families, and we want to thank our fans for their support as we seek answers.

Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu'

PR GURU MAX CLIFFORD ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF SEXUAL OFFENCES

Watkins, who co-founded the Welsh band in 1997 and whose 2005 album Liberation Transmission reached number one in the UK, as well as two women facing similar charges, have been remanded in custody and will appear in Cardiff Crown Court at the end of the month.

According to defending barrister Tom Crowther, Watkins will be denying the charges.

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