Coronation Street star Bill Roache has this evening been charged with five offences of indecent assault.
The 81-year-old actor who lives in Wilmslow was arrested this morning after attending a police station.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said "Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service an 81 year old man has this evening been charged with five offences of indecent assault.
William Roache, of Meadow Way, Wilmslow, Cheshire, was arrested this morning after attending a police station in the county by appointment. He has been bailed to appear before Magistrates in Preston on Friday, June 7th.
"The offences are alleged to have been committed in the Manchester area between 1965 and 1968 and to involve four girls aged between 12 and 16 years at the time. No further details will be released at this time.
Mr Roache was previously arrested on May 1st and charged with two offences of rape.
These offences are alleged to have been committed in Haslingden between April and July 1967 and to involve a girl aged 15 years. He appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court on 14th May and is due to appear at Preston Crown Court on June 10th.
The latest alleged offences involved separate alleged victims to the original two charges.
After he was charged with the initial offences a statement issued by his lawyers said "Bill is astounded and deeply horrified by the extraordinary events of the last twenty-four hours. He strenuously denies the allegations and will now focus his full attention on fighting to preserve his innocence in the challenging times ahead.
"He would like to offer his sincere thanks to all those people that have offered him their support and good wishes at this difficult time."
