New abuse allegations at Cheshire Catholic boy's school

Detectives investigating alleged sexual abuse at a Catholic boys' school in Cheshire are looking into new allegations after receiving more calls from former pupils.

Last month, a 63-year-old former teacher was held on suspicion of indecent assault and possession of indecent images dating back to the early 1980s.

He was later bailed until March 12, pending further inquiries.

His alleged victim was a pupil at St Ambrose College in Hale Barns, Altrincham, where the man taught.

Detectives from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are investigating incidents of sexual and physical abuse at the fee-paying school between the early 1960s and late 1980s.

Following an appeal made to the media earlier this month, a number of further phone calls were made to a dedicated phone line.

Police said these reports are being investigated and in the comings days, officers will be visiting all those who have contacted the force.

Some of the reports from former pupils allegedly involve members of staff at that time. Some relate to incidents which took place on school premises and others which did not, police said.

Detective Inspector Jed Pidd, from Trafford's Public Protection Investigation Unit (PPIU), said: "While it is not appropriate to detail the number of calls we have received, it is fair to say that the size of this investigation has grown, given the response from members of the public."

He added: "Clearly, we will be visiting all those who have called us and providing whatever support we can. It is extremely important to once again emphasise that we are looking at historical incidents, the latest having occurred more than 20 years ago."