TWO Redditch men were the first to be charged with possessing indecent images of children following a four-month investigation into paedophile activity.

Paul Donnelly, of Evesham Mews, and Terence Kenneth Cox, of Mercot Close, were arrested by West Mercia police after a tip-off from National Crime Squad officers working on Operation Ore.

They appeared before Worcester magistrates on Thursday.

A West Mercia Constabulary spokesman said: "The charges relate to the making, possession or distribution of indecent images of children.

"West Mercia Constabulary was provided with a list of names by the National Crime Squad as part of Operation Ore.

"Following detailed investigation into each of the names provided, officers throughout the force's six divisions executed a number of search warrants and made a number of arrests."

The spokesman said those arrested were interviewed and released on police bail while computer equipment was analysed and further inquires made.

He added: "Those appearing in court were the first to be charged with offences.

"All those charged in connection with this investigation will either appear before Worcester or Telford magistrates depending on whether they were arrested in Herefordshire and Worcestershire or Shropshire.

"Inquiries are still ongoing in relation to others who were arrested and computer equipment is still being examined.

"Further charges and court appearances will take place but no future court dates have been set.

"It may be several months before all those charged answer their bail and appear at court," said the spokesman.