Emmerdale actor Mark Jordon has indicated not guilty pleas to allegations he attacked a pensioner.

On Thursday, Jordon, 53, who plays Daz Spencer in the Yorkshire-based ITV soap and has also starred in TV series Heartbeat, made a brief appearance at Tameside Magistrates' Court in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.

He is charged with Section 20 wounding and common assault against a 68-year-old man, who is said to have suffered bites to his left eyebrow, arm and thumb on July 1.

Jordon, of Tamewater Court, Dobcross, Oldham, was accompanied at court by his girlfriend and Emmerdale co-star Laura Norton, 35, who plays Kerry Wyatt.

He entered the dock to confirm his name, address, date of birth and nationality as Ms Norton sat watching in the courtroom - in front of the alleged victim Andy Potts in the public gallery.

Rebecca Clarke, representing Jordon, told chairman of the bench Stephen Collins that her client was indicating not guilty pleas.

Brief details of the background to the allegations were outlined by prosecutor Elliott Taylforth, who submitted the case should be sent to the Crown Court.

Mr Collins agreed and granted Jordon unconditional bail to appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on December 6 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Jordon told Mr Collins that he understood the bail arrangements and left court with Ms Norton shortly afterwards.