A SENIOR teacher at a school rocked by a cash probe has been suspended following the launch of a police investigation into allegations of physical abuse against pupils.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "A joint police and social services investigation is taking place into allegations of physical abuse of children at the school.

"A senior member of staff has been suspended following complaints."

The police have also been contacted as a result of a separate detailed audit of finances at Mansfield High School, Brierfield, by Lancashire County Council.

The abuse investigation is being carried out by Lancashire Police's family protection unit based at Clitheroe. A spokesman said he could not give an more details at this early stage of the inquiry. Officers will question staff, children and parents as part of the inquiry which was launched this week. The move comes as the 1,200-pupil school is undergoing a separate investigation by Lancashire education authority into its financial management. Officials at County Hall have contacted the police's major crime unit at headquarters but no police inquiry has been launched.

A statement issued by the county council said: "Mansfield High School, Brierfield, is the subject of investigations. The police and social services are conducting inquiries into allegations of physical abuse at the school. None of the allegations are of a sexual nature.

"Also, a detailed Lancashire County Council financial audit has resulted in further police involvement.

"While inquiries of this nature are ongoing we are unable to comment any further."

Yesterday the county council confirmed deputy head Alan Duckworth had been suspended.

Head Ernie Pickup and business manager Peter Cowell-Smith were asked to stay away from the school last month as part of the financial investigation. The school received a Government cash boost after gaining technology college status last year.

The education authority has sent two advisers to the school to provide help and support for staff and pupils. The school is working with county officials to minimise the impact of the investigations on its pupils.

Vice-chairman of governors, Mel Simpson, said: "Our main concern is the on-going well-being of the children.

"The county council is going to supply a locum head of year to replace Mr Duckworth very shortly to fill this critical gap and to keep things going."

Mr Simpson added: "We'd just risen to the top with technology college status and we've just had the props kicked from under us."

"Every effort is being made to make sure that this doesn't affect the education of the children," Mr Simpson stressed.

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