POLICE have traced the author of a poison pen letter which embroiled a private school in computer porn allegations -- but have decided not to prosecute.

Officers swooped on Heathlands College, Sandy Lane, Accrington, two weeks ago after they received an anonymous tip-off that there was pornographic material on a computer.

The computer was analysed by Lancashire Constabulary's computer crime unit but no images were discovered and the school was completely exonerated. Today, police revealed the author of the letter had been found and warned about their future conduct after wasting police time and distressing staff, pupils and parents.

Vice-principal Jacqui Hide said she was happy with the decision not to prosecute, even though she was hurt by the allegations.

"They have not consulted us at all and we have not wanted to involve ourselves in this. They investigated quickly and searched through the computer," she said. "It has been a horrible occasion and if someone tried to harm you, you would feel upset, you would not be a human being if you did not. We just want the situation to be over."

Detective Sergeant Paul Murphy said: "The author of the letter has been identified and warned as to their conduct and the matter is now over. No criminal proceedings have been taken. The school has been completely exonerated."

The school opened in 1994 and has 32 pupils from nursery age through to 11, who are generally taught in classes of 14. Headteacher John Harrison said the school's 27 computers were protected against the use of illegal websites. He also said the pupils were never left alone in the classrooms.