A police officer has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with a string of serious offences, including three counts of possessing of a firearm.

Sgt Salim Razaq (33), who is based at Nelson in Preston, Lancashire, was arrested as part of an operation that started on March 16, during which several arrests were made.

As well as being charged with possessing firearms and ammunition, Razaq also faces allegations of misconduct in a public office, attempting to pervert the course of justice and money laundering.

Wirral JPs remanded the officer in custody. A date for the next hearing will be fixed soon.