A POLICE officer was remanded in custody today charged with a string of sex attacks.

Pc Stephen Mitchell, who serves with Northumbria Police, is accused of 43 offences, including rape, indecent assault and misconduct in a public office.

The 41-year-old officer first appeared before Newcastle Magistrates Court yesterday and the case was adjourned until today to allow his solicitor, Geoffrey Forrester, to make a bail application.

Mitchell appeared before District Judge Stephen Earl via videolink from Durham Prison.

Andrea Pitt, for the prosecution, opposed Mr Forrester's application.

After an hour-long hearing, the district judge rejected the bail application.

Judge Earl told Mr Mitchell he would remain in custody and face Newcastle Crown Court on February 4.

The allegations involve 19 people and the offences are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2007.

They include seven of rape, 17 of indecent assault and 19 of misconduct in a public office.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said Mitchell, who has served in the Newcastle and Northumberland area commands, was arrested in Glasgow on Monday and taken to the North-East.

A spokesman added: "This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information which they feel could be relevant to the inquiry is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 and ask for Northern Communications Centre."