A MAN is due to face crown court this week charged with raping a woman at Whiston Hospital.

Earlier this month Merseyside Police confirmed Sidharth Nair, 28, of Jason Street, Liverpool, had been charged with rape and two counts of sexual assault.

It follows allegations that a woman was raped at Whiston Hospital on the evening of Tuesday, January 30.

Nair appeared at Wirral Magistrates' Court at the start of February and was remanded to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, February 29.

In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector Allison Woods said: "We understand how shocking incidents of this nature are and I want the public to be reassured it will be thoroughly investigated."

Merseyside Police added: "If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.

"You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here"