Influential rock singer Roy Harper accused of sex offences against under-age girl

Roy Harper performed with Pink Floyd and influenced rock band Led Zeppelin (PA)

Veteran folk and rock performer Roy Harper has been charged with a series of historic sex offences against an under-age girl.

The singer-songwriter, who has performed with Pink Floyd and influenced rock band Led Zeppelin, has been summonsed to appear at Hereford Magistrates' Court on Monday, West Mercia Police said.

The 72-year-old, of Rossmore, Clonakilty, County Cork, in the Republic of Ireland, is facing nine sexual offences charges in total.

A force spokesman said: "The summons relates to two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 and four counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14.

"The charges are in connection with offences alleged to have taken place in Herefordshire between 1975 and 1977 and relate to one victim."

The prolific performer has produced more than 30 albums during his career, and continues to tour.

PA