Video: Police arrest staff member over ‘serious sexual offence’ at Sheffield infant school

PARENTS have spoken of their concerns today after a member of staff at a Sheffield infants’ school was arrested following an allegation of a serious sexual offence.

Police investigating the alleged incident at Greenlands Nursery Infant School, in the Darnall area of the city believe it was “isolated”.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed a person was arrested and later released on bail after an incident was reported on Friday.

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Today, officers would not confirm any more details about the person arrested but parents said they were told it was a member of staff at a meeting at the school yesterday.

Some parents have vowed to keep their children away until they are told more details and the school was closed today.

One, who did not want to be named, said: “We were told there’s been an allegation but no more details. It’s just worrying, especially not really knowing what’s going on.”

In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said: “On Friday October 14 2011, officers received a report of an allegation of a serious sexual offence at a school in the Darnall area of Sheffield.

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“Police arrested a person in connection with this matter, who has since been questioned and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

“The Darnall and Tinsley Safer Neighbourhood Team are working with the local community to address any concerns and the investigating officers currently believe the alleged incident to be isolated.”

Detective Inspector Sean McMahon said: “The investigation is being progressed as quickly as possible having regard to the serious nature of the allegation made.

“Matters such as this are thankfully rare.”

In another statement, Sonia Sharp, executive director of children and young people’s services at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are aware of an allegation at a local school and we are working closely with the police to facilitate a thorough investigation.

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“We are unable to comment further on the case because the investigation is ongoing. In the meantime we are providing support and reassurance to parents and carers, and staff at the school.”

Dr Sharp said: “It’s an incredibly distressing thing for the parents and also for staff at the school as well.

“The school has followed the safeguarding procedures to the letter.

“They’ve responded immediately and taken all the right steps.

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“I’m very confident in the way they’ve responded to the incident so far.”

Concerned parents gathered outside the gates yesterday. Later, they said, they were given basic details at a meeting with education officials in the school hall.

Nicola Wilson, 29, said: “It is really worrying.

“My son won’t be going back until I know what has happened.”