TWO men have been charged following an investigation into child sex offences in Darwen.

Peter Yates, 66, of Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen, and his son Shaun Yates, 43, of Lea Hall Road, Birmingham, are accused of sexually abusing 10 girls from seven to 13 over a 16-year period.

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The pair allegedly committed the offences in Darwen between 1980 and 1999.

Peter Yates was charged with 15 indecent assaults on children, six rapes of females under the age of 16, five offences of indecency with a child and one attempted rape.

Shaun Yates was charged with two offences of rape on a female under 16 years and one indecent assault on a girl under 14. Both men appeared before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court.

Peter Yates was remanded to appear before Preston Crown Court on August 3. Shaun Yates was bailed to appear on the same date.