POLICE have charged a man for allegedly possessing pornographic images of children.

The 23-year-old, from Middlesbrough, was charged yesterday in connection with the nationwide Operation Appal in March.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said last night: "The 23-year-old man from Middlesbrough was arrested on charges of possessing indecent photos of children and has been bailed, pending further inquiries.''

Operation Appal, coordinated by Greater Manchester Police, saw 33 people arrested and 45 addresses across the UK raided, including an address in Middlesbrough.

l A 13-year-old youth from Thornaby admitted possessing hundreds of indecent pictures of juveniles, when he appeared before Teesside Youth Court, last month.

The court heard that the ten charges he admitted were specimen cases.

The case against the teenager was adjourned until May 14, for reports to be prepared.