Lostprophets - Officers In Ian Watkins Case Face Inquiry

In December (12) Watkins was charged with two counts of conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and three counts of possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children. He is also accused of possessing "extreme" animal pornography.

He was remanded in custody awaiting trial, and now it has emerged top officers at South Wales Police have referred the force to Britain's Independent Police Complaints Commission (Ipcc). Bosses want an investigation into whether officers dealt with the allegations quickly enough.

Tom Davies, Ipcc commissioner for Wales, says, "We received a referral from South Wales Police on 25 January 2013 relating to Ian Watkins.

"Following a thorough assessment I have decided that we will carry out an independent investigation. Our investigation will determine whether or not South Wales Police failed to take appropriate and timely action in relation to information they were in receipt of in advance of Mr. Watkins' subsequent arrest."

Two women, aged 20 and 24, are facing similar charges. Watkins is next due in court in March (13).