A WOMAN teacher has been suspended after an allegation that she sent e-mails of a sexual nature to a pupil.

The woman, who has not been named, has not been arrested but she has been suspended from Gawthorpe High School, Padiham, pending the outcome of a police investigation.

The allegation is being investigated by Family Protection Officers at Clitheroe and computer equipment has been seized for examination by the police.

A police spokesman said: "We can confirm that an allegation of a sexual nature relating to inappropriate e-mails has been made about a member of staff at Gawthorpe High School in Padiham.

"The member of staff has not been arrested but has been suspended from the school pending the outcome of the police investigation."

A spokesman for Gawthorpe High School said: "We have no comment to make at this time, everything the school has to say is in a press release from Lancashire County Council."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "A member of staff was suspended from Gawthorpe High School on Wednesday June 26, 2002, as the result of allegations which are being investigated by the police.

"It is not possible to comment further while the police investigation is in process."

John Whitham, chairman of the school governors said: "I was told last week by Len Thomas, the headteacher, that a teacher was to be suspended."

"I told him that I did not want to know any more because it would prejudice any judgement I would make in the case.

"I would appear on the disciplinary committee that would look at her suspension.

"I don't know when we will sit. It depends on how fast the police move the investigation."