Russell Brand appears in court for first hearing

Russell Brand has arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London to face charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.

The broadcaster, comedian and actor faces one allegation of rape, one allegation of indecent assault, one of oral rape and two further counts of sexual assault, relating to four separate women.

Photographers surrounded his car as he arrived, and he did not speak the reporters gathered outside the court building.

Surrounded by cameras and microphones, he walked through blocks of photographers, who were flanked by police officers.

This is a breaking news story, further updates to follow.