A GRAMMAR school teacher has been charged with a string of sex offences, including molesting a girl under the age of 18.

Colin Bell, 44, of Rebels Lane, Great Wakering, taught at Westcliff High School for Girls up until his arrest in August 2015.

He was today charged with four counts of sexually touching a girl under 18-years-old, two counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possessing extreme pornographic images and one of possessing prohibited images of children.

Southend Council and the school, in Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff, took immediate action following Bell’s arrest.

Headteacher Dr Paul Hayman said pupils are being supported by psychologists and social workers.

He said: “We have been working with police and the council’s safeguarding team to assist and support the investigation.

“We understand that this news will be upsetting for pupils and parents and have organised support sessions at the school. Essex Police and the council are also providing necessary support, with social workers and educational psychologists on site today and tomorrow.”

Dr Hayman added: “As soon as the school was made aware of the arrest, Mr Bell was immediately suspended and all the relevant safeguarding processes and procedures were followed.

“This immediate action was taken to safeguard pupils, which is clearly of paramount importance to the school and our governing body.”

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “As with any case like this, we have taken a full and active role throughout the police investigation and have supported the school from a safeguarding perspective since the arrest.

“We also have social workers and educational psychologists in attendance to offer professional support to staff and pupils as required.”

Mr Courtenay said the support will continue “in the coming days and weeks.”

He added: “I would encourage anyone who is affected by this news to speak to the police or the school.”

Bell has been granted conditional bail to appear at Southend Magistrates Court on Friday, July 29.