Man held over sexual offences at school in the 80s

A MAN who worked at a school in Chaddesley Corbett, along with one in Oxfordshire, has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing pupils in the 1980s.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at Winterfold House School from 1980 to 1985 and The Oratory School, near Reading, from 1985 to 1989.

The man, now in his 50s, was arrested by detectives from West Mercia Police in Chichester this morning (Tuesday) on suspicion of gross indecency and indecent assault. He is now helping officers with their inquiries.

Det Insp Adam Hartwright of West Mercia Police said: “The man who has been arrested taught at Winterfold House, which was then a boarding school but is now a day school and The Oratory boarding and day school.

“A number of alleged historic offences have been disclosed by former pupils, and we are keen to speak to any other former students or staff who may have been at the schools at the relevant times and have information which would assist the inquiry."

He added he must emphasise the allegations related to historic offences and, as far as officers knew, he had no connection with either school since the 1980s.

"Both schools have been informed of the investigation and staff and governing bodies are co-operating with the inquiry in line with national guidelines," he said.

Anyone with any information should call DC Steph Dyer on 0300 333 3000.

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