Man, 23, appears in court after being charged with abduction and sexual assault of six-year-old girl

A man has appeared in court charged with the abduction and sexual assault of a six-year-old girl in Tameside.

Lewis Charles Jones, 23, of no fixed address, but based in Liverpool, faced magistrates on Saturday morning (August 20). Greater Manchester Police earlier said he had been charged with two counts of sexual assault by penetration; and one count of abduction.

It came after officers were called to reports of an alleged incident in Droylsden at around 4.10pm on Wednesday (August 17).

The girl was safely re-united with her family a short time later, police said. Specialist officers are supporting her and her family.

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Mr Jones appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning (August 20). During the short hearing, before magistrate Anthony Cope, he only spoke to confirm his name and area.

Wearing a grey top and joggers, it was that Mr Jones' case will be transferred to Manchester Crown Court next month. Prosecutor Ruth Mann said: "I would ask that the matter is sent to Crown Court. There will be an application to remand him in custody."

Representing Mr Jones, Mark Dallas made no application for bail. His client will appear before a judge on September 1.

Earlier, a spokeswoman for GMP said: "We would once again like to thank members of the public for their assistance in this investigation."

Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt, of GMP’s Tameside district, later added: "We are aware of the ongoing impact on the community and so additional patrols have been deployed and this will continue for the foreseeable. Anyone who is concerned should speak to officers directly or via our website.

"We also understand the interest this case will