Scout leader faces sex abuse charges

A former Scout leader has been charged with 18 offences including indecent assault and buggery against several boys in the 1960s and 1970s on Sydney's northern beaches.

Detectives began investigating after several victims came forward late last year with allegations of the abuse.

Police say the now 75-year-old man indecently assaulted some of the boys on Scout camping trips to the northern beaches.

The man was arrested at Taree on Tuesday morning and was refused bail. He's due to face Taree Local Court on Wednesday.