Meols Cop High have confirmed a pupil has been removed from the school and is now under police investigation for inappropriate behaviour.
Parents received letters from the school this morning alerting them to an ‘isolated’ incident, which has reportedly affected a small number of pupils in an upper year group.
OTS News understands the pupil was arrested by police last year on suspicion of possession of an extreme pornographic image, possession of indecent photographs of children and voyeurism. He was conditionally bailed by detectives.
In the letter sent out to parents this morning Mr Davis, Head Teacher at Meols Cop High said: “ I would like to take this opportunity to write to you as members of our school community to inform you that in the last few days myself, our Safeguarding leads and officers from Merseyside Police met with a small number of parents and students.
“This was to make them aware of a concern relating to the behaviour of student who no longer attends the school.
“We continue to support those pupils and parents and we ask that their privacy remains fully respected at all times.
“As this is a live police investigation, it is imperative that I remind you all that discussion or speculation of a criminal case, especially on social media, can constitute contempt of court if it poses a risk of seriously prejudicing active proceedings.
“I would like to reassure all pupils, parents and guardians that, while we cannot comment or give further details of this isolated matter, the school have taken immediate and swift action to ensure the continued safeguarding of our school community remains paramount and I wish to reiterate there is no ongoing cause for concern.”
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Parry said: “I know this news will bring shock to the community in Southport and cause concern for parents and guardians in the area.
“I want to reassure the community that we have conducted, and will continue to progress, extensive and thorough enquiries into this matter. We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to secure justice for victims and put offenders behind bars.
“We are working with partners in the local authority with all those affected, and are providing sensitive and specialist support throughout the legal process.”
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “To report a sexual offence you can call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
“If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services.
“These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it. If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation, court process and beyond.
“You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police. With no police involvement, a specialist doctor at Safe Place can examine you to check that you are ok and look for DNA evidence, which they will store to support your case. This gives you the option of making a formal police report at a later time, if you choose to.
“Support is also available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
“If you do not require immediate police assistance, then you can report rape and sexual assault via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/