THE headteacher of Malbank School and Sixth Form College in Nantwich has been arrested by police in connection with allegations that he indecently assaulted two girls under the age of 13.

Allan Kettleday has been arrested and released on bail as part of a police investigation into incidents that are alleged to have taken place between November 2003 and February 2005.

The allegations were referred to police by Cheshire County Council's Child Safe Guarding Unit, a part of the council's social services department, at the beginning of February this year.

A police spokesman this week confirmed that a 54-year-old man from the Crewe area had been arrested in relation to alleged indecent assaults on two girls, and had been released on bail.

Mr Kettleday, who is currently absent from school through illness, is due to answer his bail today.

The police spokesman said: "Cheshire Constabulary is investigating allegations of assault made against a 54-year-old man from the Crewe area.

"The alleged incidents occurred between November 2003 and February 2005, and relate to the alleged indecent assault of two girls both under the age of 13.

"The investigation was referred to us by the Child Safe Guarding Unit of social services at the beginning of February 2005.

"Officers will liaise with social services and Cheshire County Council during the course of the investigation.

"However, a 54-year-old man was arrested and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries."

A spokesman for Cheshire County Council stressed that Mr Kettleday had not been suspended.

He said: "We can confirm that the individual who is subject of these allegations has been away from school for some time, and that this situation will continue until the matter is fully concluded."

Bill McGinnis, a member of Malbank School's governing body, said: "It came as a complete surprise.

"Allegations of this kind arise quite frequently in education, and teachers are always in danger of this kind of thing happening.

"He is an extremely well-respected and well-regarded teacher and I hope it's all resolved quickly."