A police officer has appeared in court today accused of rape and sexual assault.

Sergeant Nick Lidstone, 54, from Heslerton Way, Barrington, appeared at Norwich Crown Court via video link from Chelmsford prison on Monday.

The Cambridgeshire Police officer is alleged to have committed the two offences in Melbourn in 2008.

He has been remanded in custody until his next hearing on September 5 when he is expected to enter a plea.

Lidstone was arrested and charged last month. A Cambridgeshire Police spokesman said he had been suspended from duty and would remain so while court proceedings took place.