Ian Watkins, the Welsh group Lostprophets’ lead singer, has been arrested and charged with sexual offences against girl aged below 13, along with possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

The South Wales police have released the Lostprophets singer’s name for further assistance in the ongoing investigation of the case. Two women, aged 20 and 24 from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and Bedford respectively, were also taken into custody,and charged with “similar offences”. They are due to appear before Cardiff magistrates today along with Ian Watkins.

Recently, child sex abuse cases have risen, beginning with the Jimmy Savile scandal, investigations of which are underway, with the complaints toll rising to over 500.

Ian Watkins was the founding member of Lostprophets, was formed in Pontypridd. Lostprophets, whose most successful hit is Last Train Home, is one of the most successful bands to have emerged from Wales in recent times, selling around 3.5 million albums worldwide. The Lostprophets have enjoyed a decade-long career which has included several hit singles include ‘Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast).’

‘Weapons’, the Lostprophets’s fifth studio album, was released in April and was supported by a UK tour. Despite having sold out in Wembley arena and headlined in major festivals, such as Download, the band’s success has faded in recent years. As of 2012, Lostprophets have recorded five albums, ‘Thefakesoundofprogress’, ‘Start Something’, ‘Liberation Transmission’, ‘The Betrayed’ and ‘Weapons’.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Peter Doyle said specially-trained staff were available to speak to anyone with concerns or information regarding Ian Watkins’ alleged sexual offences against children. Police are asking anyone with any information concerning the investigation to contact the Operation Globe incident room on 0800 056 0154, or the NSPCC on 0800 389 5347.