Huw Edwards has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, the Metropolitan Police has said.

The 62-year-old, who left the BBC last year, will appear at Westminster magistrates’ court on Wednesday, charged with three offences relating to images shared on WhatsApp.

Edwards, who was one of the BBC’s most highly-paid stars, was arrested last November by detectives from Scotland Yard. He was charged last month.

According to the charge sheet, Edwards is accused of having six category A images, 12 category B pictures and 19 category C photographs on WhatsApp.

The offences are contrary to sections 1(1)(a) and 6 of the Protection of Children Act 1978. If found guilty, he could receive a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

A Met spokesman said: “The offences, which are alleged to have taken place between December 2020 and April 2022, relate to images shared on a WhatsApp chat.

“Edwards was arrested on Nov 8 2023. He was charged on Wednesday, June 26 following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service. He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 31 July.

“Media and the public are strongly reminded that this is an active case. Nothing should be published, including on social media, which could prejudice future court proceedings.”

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said: “We remind all that proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Edwards was suspended by the BBC last July following media reports that a high profile presenter had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a young man.

His wife later confirmed he was the presenter at the centre of the allegations, adding that he was being treated for serious mental health issues.

In April he resigned from the broadcaster on “medical advice”.

A BBC statement said: “After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors.

“The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don’t believe it appropriate to comment further.”

Earlier this month, the BBC annual report revealed that Edwards had been the BBC’s best-paid journalist in the previous financial year, despite having been suspended for nine months.

He earned £480,000 between March 2023 and April 2024, a pay rise of £40,000, making him the corporation’s third-highest-earning presenter overall.

Two people have been taken to hospital with breathing difficulties and itchy eyes after a woman approached them with a bag in Bath, police have said.

Emergency services put a cordon in place on Stall Street on Monday, with Avon and Somerset Police saying it was a precaution and they are hoping to be able to reopen the area soon.

Multiple emergency service workers were believed to be at the scene wearing hazmat suits, according to eyewitnesses.

A police spokesman said: “Emergency services are responding to an incident in Bath.

“At about 2.30pm a woman approached people with a bag in Stall Street, leading to some individuals then feeling unwell.

“The ambulance service made us aware at 3.08pm.

“We’re not aware of any further reports of people feeling unwell. As a precaution, emergency personnel are wearing protective clothing.

“We are working with SWAST [South Western Ambulance Trust] and Avon Fire and Rescue Service at the scene and have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents.”

One witness said they saw members of the public being treated at the scene, adding: “They took one woman off into some blue tarpaulin sheets and seemed to have hosed her down.

“She must have been told to remove her clothes, as she came out wearing a big orange suit covering her body. 

“Then she was walked to the ambulance, escorted by what I think was a paramedic wearing a full hazmat suit with breathing apparatus.”