Damien Bendall: Killamarsh quadruple murder suspect also accused of raping one of his alleged victims - 11-year-old girl

A man accused of murdering a mother, two young girls and a boy has now also been charged with raping of one of the girls.

Damien Bendall allegedly raped and killed 11-year-old Lacey Bennett as well as allegedly killing her brother, 13-year-old John Paul Bennett, their mother Terri Harris, 35, and Lacey's 11-year-old friend, Connie Gent.

The four were found dead by officers at a house in Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, near Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on Sunday 19 September, following a "violent attack".

Bendall, 31, is alleged to have killed them all on a day between Friday 17 September and Monday 20 September.

He hadbeen due to appear before Nottingham Crown Court on Friday for a plea hearing.

However, the case was adjourned to 4 January at the crown court in Derby.

An inquest opening at Chesterfield Coroner's Court previously heard the four died as a result of a "violent attack".

The coroner's court also heard how a relative of Bendall had called police to say the defendant had suffered a self-inflicted stab wound.

In a statement on Friday, the CPS said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a further charge for Damien Bendall, 31, after reviewing a file of evidence from Derbyshire Police. He has now been charged with rape of a girl under 13."

It added: "Mr Bendall was previously charged with four counts of murder in relation to an incident in Killamarsh, Derbyshire.

"The additional charge was today confirmed to the court at a hearing held at Nottingham Crown Court.

"All are reminded that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he 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."