A Battersea man has been named as part of a pair of alleged royal blackmailers.

Sean McGuigan, 40, of Battersea, has been charged along with Ian Strachan, 30, of Chelsea, of attempting to blackmail an unnamed member of the royal family over a video tape.

In the video, reportedly played in front of an undercover Scotland Yard detective, an aide is alleged to have claimed the royal performed a sex act on the assistant.

The pair appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 13, but the royal involved has been granted anonymity and the case was heard behind closed doors.

The case is believed to involve a bid for a £50,000 pay-off.

McGuigan and Strachan were remanded in custody and are due to appear at the Old Bailey on December 20.