A TEACHER has been suspended after police launched an inquiry into allegations of misconduct at a primary school.

Lancashire Police's Clitheroe-based Family Protection Syndicate (FPS) is investigating claims made by pupils at St Mary's RC School, Oswaldtwistle, about the member of staff.

St Mary's headteacher Stephen Wells today said he was unable to comment as the matter was in the hands of the police.

He was also unable to confirm whether the teacher was male or female.

The FPS is part of Lancashire Police's major crime unit and investigates allegations of physical and sex abuse and ill treatment of children.

A police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that following allegations of misconduct made against a teacher at an Oswaldtwistle school by a number of pupils, they, along with members of staff and parents will be interviewed by officers."

A county council spokeswoman confirmed: "A complaint has been made against a member of staff at St Mary's. Both the member of staff and the school considered it in the best interests of all concerned for the teacher to be absent from school while investigations are being carried out."

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