Assistant head arrested over child images

An assistant head teacher has been removed from his post at a comprehensive after being arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children, it emerged today.

Parents of pupils at Dorothy Stringer School in Brighton were sent letters at the start of the term saying Ken Browne had been removed from his job following the allegations.

The letter from the chairman of governors, Reg Hook, said the school was working in cooperation with the police.

The letter assured parents that the alleged offences did not involve any past or present pupils from the school, where Browne taught languages.

Brighton & Hove City Council said that because the investigation was continuing, it was unable to comment on the allegations beyond the facts in the letter.

It added in a statement, however: "We can confirm that the council is working with governors and staff to provide information and support to children and their parents and carers about the matter."

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said today that a 59-year-old Brighton man was arrested on 24 July on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children and was bailed until 25 November.