Nursery worker arrested in UK on suspicion of sexual abuse

A male nursery worker from Birmingham (England) has been arrested on suspicion of the sexual abuse of a child.

Officers arrested the 20-year-old man at his home in Nechells in the early hours of Wednesday.

A number of items, including a computer, were seized and are currently being examined by specialist investigators, police said.

The man is an assistant at Little Stars Nursery in Nechells. Parents are being contacted by police.

The nursery, which currently has 55 children attending and 14 members of staff, has been closed, a police spokesman added.

A telephone line for parents has been opened with specialist staff on hand to offer advice and support. The number is: 0121 675 4806.

'Victim identified'

Assistant Chief Constable Anil Patani said: "The investigation is in its very early stages; however we believe that we have identified one victim who we believe attends the nursery.

"The family of this child have been told and police are supporting them at this very difficult time."

A joint investigation is being carried out by the force and Birmingham City Council's children's services.

Police said a meeting would be held for parents with children registered at the nursery where senior officers and council officials would provide an update on the investigation.

Mr Patani added: "West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council do not underestimate the significance this news has on parents and the local community."

The nursery was issued with an improvement notice by Ofsted in August after an unannounced inspection revealed it did not have an effective safeguarding children procedure.

It was given a good rating after a subsequent inspection in November.

'Keep parents informed'

Ofsted said the nursery "supports children who speak English as an additional language".

The facility is also open to children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

In a statement Ofsted said it was aware of the investigation and was working closely with the police and the local authority to assist and consider what action needs to be taken.

"We fully understand how worrying this situation is for parents but it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage of the police investigation.'

Birmingham City Council said it was also working closely with West Midlands Police and would continue to keep parents informed.

"We've set up a helpline with specialist staff to offer help and advice," the spokesman added.

The nursery is not run by the local authority.

We have reproduced this story from the BBC News website, with thanks.

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