A FORMER member of staff at a Chaddesley Corbett school has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing pupils in the 1980s.

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

A man in his 50s was arrested in the Chichester area of West Sussex today on suspicion of gross indecency and indecent assault.

The arrest was made by detectives from West Mercia Police and the man is currently in custody at Chichester where he is assisting with inquiries.

Detective Inspector 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.

“I must again emphasise these are historic allegations and that as far as we are aware the man has 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.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Steph Dyer at West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.