A teaching assistant at a primary school in Kensal Rise has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 10.

The 23-year old has been sacked from his position at the school as detectives from the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Command look into allegations of gross misconduct regarding a child aged nine or 10 in Year 5.

A spokesman for the teacher’s school said: “We take any allegation that involves the safety and wellbeing of our students very seriously.

“Any allegations made about members of our staff are thoroughly investigated and relevant authorities are involved as appropriate. Pending the results of those investigations, it would be inappropriate to comment on any specific case.”

A police spokesman said: “A 23-year-old member of staff has been arrested in connection with the investigation. He has been bailed to return to a police station on a date in mid-February.”