Shrewsbury PCSO Derren Tomlinson in court facing rape and bestiality accusations

The 43-year-old is facing two counts of rape of a girl under 13

Tomlinson is currently suspended from his job (Getty)

A serving police community support officer has appeared in court charged with raping a girl and bestiality.

West Mercia Police said PCSO Derren Tomlinson of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, appeared before magistrates in Telford today.

The 43-year-old is facing two counts of rape of a girl under 13, three charges of taking indecent pictures of a child, and possession of extreme pornography.

Tomlinson, based in Shrewsbury, is also charged with a bestiality offence.

A 40-year-old Shrewsbury woman arrested on suspicion of "aiding and abetting the rape and bestiality offences" is currently on police bail, a force spokesman added.

Tomlinson, who is currently suspended from his job, is due to appear at the town's crown court on December 7.

Press Association