Nursery worker 'had no case to answer'

A nursery worker who was arrested after police received an allegation she sexually assaulted a child under the age of 13 will not face further action.

The woman, from Poole, Dorset, was arrested on Sunday evening, before being released on police bail.

The offence was alleged to have taken place at a house in Poole, Dorset, and not at the Down in the Woods nursery in Merley, Dorset, where she works, although the centre was searched by police. Dorset Police said the woman, who had not been named, had no case to answer.

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Superintendent Sara Glenn, from Dorset Police, said: "The investigation was thorough and I am confident there is no case to answer. Anyone who sends their child to the nursery can be confident there are no child protection issues." Asked if police acted too soon she said: "It was paramount that we took the welfare of children into consideration."

In a statement, the force said: "The safety of children is Dorset police's top priority and working together with our colleagues at children's service and Poole primary care trust, it is our duty to respond to any allegation that suggests a child is at risk. This investigation has now concluded and the police decision is that no further action will be taken, and the person arrested has therefore been released from any bail requirement."