Teachers arrested in child porn probe

Two male primary school teachers have been arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children, police said today.

The men, aged 43 and 37, were arrested at an address in Monkspath, Solihull, on Wednesday, and bailed "pending further investigations".

West Midlands Police said the arrests followed an investigation by the force's child online safety team and public protection unit.

A spokeswoman said the 43-year-old man teaches at St Patrick's School in Earlswood, Solihull, and the 37-year-old teaches at Monkspath School, in the Shirley area of Solihull.

She added: "At this stage of the inquiry there is nothing to suggest any physical contact between the suspects and the children featured in the images."

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council said both men had been suspended from work.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Morgan, head of West Midlands Police public protection unit, said: "This is clearly a very sensitive case which will raise many questions among parents.

"It is an immediate priority to reassure them by providing as much information as and when we can to answer those questions.

"To do that effectively we will progress the investigation as thoroughly and quickly as possible and continue to engage with families and the wider community."

He added: "This inquiry is still in its very early stages and at this time it is important to emphasise that both men have been arrested for possessing images."

Parents of pupils at both schools will be contacted by letter to inform them of the arrests and a helpline has been set up to offer "assistance and advice", the council said.

Council chief executive Mark Rogers said: "I have written to parents and carers of children at the two affected schools to inform them of the investigation.

"We will also be at the two schools for a series of meetings next week where parents and carers can discuss any concerns face to face."

The number for the advice line is 0121 704 8300.