A serving Oldham police officer has been charged with sexual assault against a child.

Yesterday, Sunday, December 31, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) police constable Dean Dempster was charged with sexual assault and misconduct in a public office.

The 34-year-old, who has been suspended from duty, is due to attend Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today, Monday, January 1.

A spokesperson for the force said: "On Sunday, December 31, serving GMP officer PC Dean Dempster (20/02/1989), who was posted to GMP's Oldham district, was charged with sexual assault on a child under 13 and misconduct in a public office, following an investigation by GMP.

"He has been remanded into custody and will attend Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Monday, January 1.

"The officer has been suspended from duty and misconduct proceedings will resume upon the conclusion of criminal proceedings."