AN investigation has been launched into allegations that a deputy head teacher had bought material online which may have included images of naked teenage boys.

Martin Goldberg, 46, the deputy head of Thorpe Hall School, in Southend, was found dead in his home after Essex Police made contact with him on September 9.

Earlier that day Essex Police began an investigation into allegations he had bought material online, from abroad, which may have included images of naked teenage boys.

Essex Police spoke to Martin Goldberg, aged 46, a single man who lived alone, at his home address in Shoeburyness as part of its enquiries. He was not arrested as officers considered that there was insufficient evidence to do so at the time.

The following day police were called back to his address following concerns for his welfare and he was found dead in his home.

Mr Goldberg’s death is not being treated as suspicious and the matter has been handed over to the coroner to investigate.

Essex Police has continued its investigation into the original allegations and has examined computer equipment and other media devices found in Mr Goldberg’s home.

Detectives have now recovered images that appear to have come from a camera that was hidden in a bag.

This has been used to film male children undressing in the school’s male changing rooms, in the changing rooms at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre swimming pool in Southend and two other unidentified locations.

These are criminal offences of voyeurism under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

In total 75 images in the school’s male changing rooms, which would be classified as indecent, have been recovered.

There are 465 such images from the swimming pool and 38 from the other two locations.

Specialist detectives have identified four of these children and they have spoken to their parents to inform them of Mr Goldberg’s actions.
In the rest of the pictures their faces are not visible or the quality of the image is so poor that the children cannot be identified.

Officers believe these images cover a time period from 2000 onwards and would appear to be of boys aged from nine to twelve.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "It is important to stress that we have found no evidence of any other offences by Mr Goldberg involving these children. At this time there is nothing to suggest that he made inappropriate physical contact with any child.

"The school has co-operated with our investigation and we have also found no evidence to suggest that anyone else was involved in Mr Goldberg’s criminal activity.

"There is also no information that he shared any of these images or that anyone else was aware of his offending."

Essex Police understands that this news may be extremely distressing to both parents and children and has set up a special number for people to call if they have any concerns or believe they have information that would assist the investigation.

They can call police on 0800 056 0944, or +44 207 158 0010 if they are outside of the UK.

Thorpe Hall School has also put in place measures to provide support to its pupils.

The spokesperson added: "It is also important to remember that Martin Goldberg‘s family are still coming to terms with both his death and his offending and Essex Police would request that they should be given the necessary privacy to do so.

"The force fully acknowledges that there will be significant concerns within the local community in respect of Mr Goldberg’s offending Due to the age and vulnerability of the victims, legislation is in place that prevents their identities from being disclosed and they must not be identified.

"Essex Police would strongly caution against any use of social media or other communication in respect of this matter that could in any way identify any of the children involved so that they are protected as far as possible.

"The priority for the police now is to support those affected and we are continuing to work with the school, Southend Borough Council, Essex County Council and others to provide that support and ensure that all appropriate action is taken."

Our partner agencies are also contactable to provide support and advice: Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Children’s Services Telephone: 01702 534506 Essex Social Services Adult Social Care Telephone: 0845 603 7630 Children and young people Telephone: 0845 603 7634 Childline - The UK's free, confidential helpline for children and young people.

Telephone: 0800 11 11 Web: www.childline.org.uk NSPCC - Free confidential service for anyone concerned about children at risk, including children themselves. (24 hour Freephone) Telephone: 0808 800 5000 Web: www.nspcc.org.ukEmail: help@nspcc.org.uk