Suffolk teacher arrested in sex abuse inquiry found dead

A former Suffolk teacher arrested on suspicion of sex assaults on pupils at a private school has been found dead.

Alan Williams, 59, was arrested in February over an investigation into incidents at the former St George's School, Great Finborough, in the 1980s.

His body was discovered at his home in Stowmarket on Friday, eight days after police extended his bail.

When he was arrested Mr Williams had been working as a teacher at Ashfold School in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

A spokeswoman for Ashfold School said: "The police informed us on Friday that Alan Williams, the former director of music at Ashfold, had died.

"Mr Williams was suspended in February after being arrested by Suffolk Police in connection with ongoing historic criminal investigations.

Not suspicious

"Despite extensive police inquiries, it was confirmed again on Friday that none of the allegations relate to Ashfold School or any of its current or former pupils."

Suffolk Police have not released Mr Williams' name but a spokeswoman said police were called to an address in Stowmarket "by a woman concerned for the welfare of a family member who she had been unable to contact".

The spokesman added: "Officers forced entry to a house and a 59-year-old man was found deceased."

The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.

Mr Williams had worked at St George's School at the time of the allegations which relate to the 1980s.

The current Finborough School on the same site is not connected in any way to the old St George's School, Great Finborough.

The arrest of Mr Williams followed the conviction of St George's former headteacher Derek Slade for more than 50 offences including child sex abuse and assault.

Slade, of Burton-on-Trent, is currently serving a 21-year sentence.