A MAN has been charged with nine sexual offences involving children in the Halstead area.

Stuart Edwards, 32, of Market Street, Shipdham, Norfolk was charged with five counts of sexual assault, three counts of taking indecent images of children and one count of voyeurism.

The charges follow an investigation in September last year about offences reportedly taking place between June 2015 and July 2018 involving four children.

Edwards is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday July 2.

He was previously known as Sam Crouch.

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.