A Merton policeman has been banned from going to brothels or contacting sex workers as he awaits trial on harassment and sexual assault charges.

PC Irshad Kamal, 46, a police constable based in the borough, has been suspended from duty while the case goes through the courts.

He has not yet entered a plea to two charges - one of harassment and one of sexual assault, which includes sexual touching of a woman without consent.

The Metropolitan Police said the alleged offences took place while PC Kamal was off duty.

PC Kamal, of Bramfield Road, Wandsworth, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he was released on conditional bail until the next court hearing at Southwark Crown Court on February 5 next year.

The conditions included not entering any brothel or contacting anyone known as a sex worker and to keep appointments with his doctor.