Police uk
A PCSO officer has been charged with rape of a minor and bestiality iStock

A Police Community Support Officer appeared in court on charges of rape and bestiality. Derren Tomlinson, from Shrewsbury, is charged with two counts of raping a girl under 13, taking indecent images of a child and bestiality, West Mercia Police said.

The 43-year-old PCSO, who has been suspended from the force, appeared at Telford magistrates' court on 25 November. On 23 November, a 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and bestiality. She was released on police bail until 22 December.

Tomlinson, who also accused of possessing illegal pornographic images, is due to appear at Shrewsbury crown court on 7 December. PCSOs are civilian police support staff, who have a variety of police powers.