Ex-Rossall School teacher dies before child abuse trial

The cause of Mr Ball's death remains under investigation

A former teacher at a Lancashire private school accused of abusing children in the 1970s has died ahead of his trial.

Roy Ball, 80, from Clevedon, Somerset who taught at Rossall School faced charges of indecently assaulting three children in Fleetwood.

His alleged victims were aged between eight and 12, police said.

Mr Ball was due to stand trial at Preston Crown Court, but the court has confirmed his death.

A spokesman for Avon coroner's office said the cause of death remains under investigation, and a post mortem examination will take place this week.

Case discontinued

Mr Ball, of Edward Road South, was also charged with 14 offences of possessing indecent images.

Lancashire Police said charges were brought following an investigation launched in November by Fleetwood CID.

Rossall School on Broadway was founded in 1844 as an Anglican boys' boarding school.

The school accepted girls in the 1970s and has almost 600 pupils including boarders.

A court hearing has been scheduled for 13 November, during which the case is expected to be discontinued.