A TEACHER has been suspended from a top Suffolk boarding school following an allegation he embraced a female student. Howard Blackett, headmaster at the Royal Hospital School, in Holbrook, has confirmed a member of staff had been temporarily removed from his position while the allegation was investigated.

A TEACHER has been suspended from a top Suffolk boarding school following an allegation he embraced a female student.

Howard Blackett, headmaster at the Royal Hospital School, in Holbrook, has confirmed a member of staff had been temporarily removed from his position while the allegation was investigated.

It has been claimed the teacher, who has not been named, was seen embracing a female student from the upper sixth form.

Mr Blackett said in a statement: “Pupil welfare is of the utmost importance and hence the matter has been drawn to the attention of the Suffolk Child Protection Agencies. A full investigation will now be conducted by social services and the police.

“The member of staff will remain suspended until the investigation is complete. Suspension is a neutral act and no decision will be made concerning the matter until it has been fully investigated.

“The school is confident the situation is being dealt with appropriately and swiftly, with the interests of all those involved in mind.”

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council's social services confirmed they were carrying out an investigation together with the police.

He said: “It is a routine and standard procedure carried out after any serious allegation and is not a judgement on the issue.”