THE caretaker of a Christchurch school has been arrested over claims of a historic offence involving a child.

The man, who worked at The Priory School in Wick Lane, was arrested on September 29 over the allegation.

The alleged offence is not connected with the school and does not concern any of the teaching staff.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police confirmed that a man has been arrested and released on police bail until mid-December.

A spokesperson said: “Dorset Police are undertaking an investigation which took place in 1987-1988 involving a child at the Burlington Hotel Gym, Owls Road, Bournemouth.

“Anyone with information is requested to contact Dorset Police.

“Due to investigative purposes no more information can be released.”

A spokesperson for Dorset County Council said: “On 29 September a member of staff of the Priory School in Christchurch was arrested and has since been released on bail while police investigations continue.

“In view of the arrest, the school has suspended the individual concerned and barred him from the school grounds pending the outcome of the police investigation. The allegations are historical, and do not relate to the school or its pupils in any way."

The chairman of governors at The Priory, Judy Jamieson, and head teacher Claire King, declined to comment.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Winchester said: “We can confirm that a non-teaching member of staff at Christchurch Priory C.E Primary School has been arrested and subsequently released on police bail until mid-December.

“The individual concerned was suspended immediately following their arrest. The allegations made against this individual do not relate to their work at the school in any way”.