A RETAINED fireman from Great Harwood has appeared at court charged with sexual offences against a child and possessing firearms.

Azar Khan, 39, of Windsor Road, faced 12 allegations at Blackburn Magistrates' Court yesterday ((Thurs)).

Khan was first arrested on December 29 in connection with the sexual offence allegations against a female.

While detectives were at his house, police said they discovered a stun gun and pepper spray, which are suspected to have been bought in America and are illegal firearms in the UK.

Khan was bailed pending further inquiries.

Khan was re-arrested and charged on Wednesday.

He is charged with three counts of the oral rape of a child, three counts of sexual assault on a child, three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, two counts of possessing firearms and one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The conspiracy to pervert the course of justice charge relates to alleged attempts between January 10 and Jan 25 to intimidate a potential witness into changing a statement, police said.

Khan, who is a team leader of a satellite company in Accrington, has been suspended from his position with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

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