Ian Watkins Of Lostprophets Charged With Child Sex Offences; Reportedly In Possession Of Indecent Child Photos
Ian Watkins of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets has been charged with sexual offences against children. The singer reportedly conspired to engage in sexual activity with a minor and was in possession of indecent child photos.
The Daily Mail reports that Watkins, 35, was arrested in Pontypridd, Wales on Monday. The arrest came after an ongoing police investigation found Watkins attempting to engage in sexual activity with a girl younger than 13-years-old.
Ian Watkins was arrested alongside two unidentified women, one 20-years-old and the second 24-years-old. While the women remain unidentified, South Wales police decided to reveal Ian Watkin's name in hope of assisting further inquiries.
"I want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us," senior investigating officer Det. Insp. Peter Doyle said in a statement to MSN. "Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."
The detective continued that a special phone number has been set up and that the police department has "specially-trained staff" on hand.
The Lostprophets formed in 1997. The band became popular in the U.S. with their second album, "Start Something." In 2004 their song "Last Train Home" became popular, hitting the number one spot on Billboard's "Alternative Songs" chart.