A TEACHER at an Accrington school has been arrested over allegations of a sex assault 12 years ago.

The man, who is not being named, is currently on police bail until August. He was suspended from his post after the allegation was made but has now left his job.

Detective Inspector Steve Marston said: "Police arrested a teacher from Hollins High School in Accrington last month. That arrest is following an allegation that dates back 12 years."

A spokesman for Lancashire Education Authority said: "The Hollins High School co-operated fully with the police as soon as they became aware of an allegation against a teacher. The teacher was immediately suspended and has since left our employment. The allegation relates to events 12 years ago and the investigation has not affected the day to day running of the school."

Letters are currently being sent out to former pupils of the school as part of the long-running investigation, codenamed Nevada, into allegations of sexual abuse in children's homes and schools across Lancashire. Police said the investigation was centred on alleged offenders who were still working with children and posed a significant risk.

And a team of detectives and support staff are also investigating allegations made against people who no longer work with children.

Det Insp Marston said: "All the officers on the team have been specially trained to deal with investigations of this nature and we would encourage people to come forward and speak with us if they were sexually abused while in care or at school in Lancashire."