The father of a three-year-old boy injured in a suspected acid attack has appeared in court alongside other alleged conspirators charged over the assault.

The youngster suffered serious burns to his face and arm at the Home Bargains store in Worcester on July 21.

His 39-year-old father is charged with conspiring to commit grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident, in the Tallow Hill area of the city.

He appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday, alongside three men and a woman, all facing the same charge, for what was listed as a pre-trial hearing.

Two other men, similarly charged, and also set to be tried over the allegations, did not attend court.

A trial date for January 21 has already been fixed.

The accused, all sat in the dock alongside the father, were Adam Cech, 27, and Jan Dudi, 25, both from Birmingham and Norbert Pulko, 22, from London.

Martina Badiova, 22, of Newcombe Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, also appeared with the men.

Not present were Saied Hussini, 41, from London, and Jabar Paktia, 41, from Wolverhampton.

The defendants spoke with the assistance of two interpreters, speaking the Farsi and Czech languages, and were flanked by several dock officers.

About a dozen family and friends of the defendants were sat in the public gallery, above the dock.

Adjourning the case, Judge Robert Juckes QC, told the defendants: "You will understand, all of you, this has been a hearing intended to make sure the trial goes ahead without any difficulties, on January 21.

"Until that day, I shall remand you in custody as before."

The trial, estimated to last up to six weeks, will take place back at Worcester Crown Court.