Woman, 67, arrested in school sexual abuse inquiry

The allegations of abuse are said to have taken place in the 1970s at Maidwell Hall School

A 67-year-old woman has been arrested by detectives investigating allegations of non-recent sexual abuse at a school attended by Earl Spencer.

Northamptonshire Police said the woman was being questioned about allegations of abuse that are said to have taken place in the 1970s at Maidwell Hall School in Northamptonshire.

Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, alleged in his memoir that he suffered physical and sexual abuse at the school which he attended between the ages of eight and 13.

Northamptonshire Police said this week that preliminary inquiries into what happened at the school had led to an official investigation being launched.

A spokesperson for the Northamptonshire force said the woman who was arrested "has been released on conditional bail while we continue with our inquiries".

The spokesperson added: “Northamptonshire Police takes all allegations of abuse very seriously and, where reports are made to us, we will pursue all available lines of inquiry to help bring perpetrators to justice."