Teacher arrested over 'rape' of girl, 11, at London school

The allegation has shocked parents at the Hillingdon school, attended by almost 400 children.

The 56-year-old man was arrested at dawn at his home in the country after an allegation was made to police.

Forensic science officers are understood to have searched parts of the popular school. Several items were removed for examination.

The teacher was interviewed by officers from the child abuse investigations team and released on bail. Neither the school nor the teacher can be named. The suspect had previously been forced to resign from the school on an unrelated matter. Some parents had made a complaint about his methods.

He quit his post last year but talk of that incident led to his alleged victim coming forward and making a complaint of rape. It is understood she is now receiving counselling.

A Met spokeswoman said today: "We received an allegation of rape from an 11-year-old girl in the Hillingdon borough area.

"A 56-year-old man was arrested on 11 March in connection with the investigation. He has since been bailed pending further inquiries until mid-May."

A police source said the girl had claimed to have been raped on a number of occasions over two years. The source added: "We are taking it very seriously."

The source added: "The teacher was arrested at 6am and brought in for questioning. Police also attended the school. Items were taken away from the school."

The teacher is under investigation by the Independent Safeguarding Authority, the organisation set up after the murders of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells in Soham in 2002, to "prevent unsuitable people from working with children".

His case was referred to the authority by Hillingdon council after the first incident of alleged inappropriate behaviour was brought to the school's attention.

One parent at the school told the Standard: "We have heard nothing officially from the school. There have been a lot of rumours that police were investigating. Parents whose children have been taught by this teacher have had no communication from the school.

"I don't think too many people know what is going on, We are being kept in the dark. It's very worrying."

A spokeswoman from Hillingdon council said: "Police are investigating a serious allegation made against a former teacher, who taught at a number of schools, including one in Hillingdon.

"We are working closely with the police to ensure they have all the support they need from us for this investigation and we have put in place support for the children, parents and staff at the school."